Upadeśa

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Upadeśa (Sanskrit: उपदेश), "teaching," "instruction",[1] is the spiritual guidance provided by a guru or spiritual teacher.

Etymology[]

The term upadeśa has various, related meanings:[1]

  • "information," "clarification," "specification"
  • "preaching," "prescription"
  • "instruction," "guidance," "pointing out to"
  • "initiation," "communication of the initiatory mantra or formula"

Spiritual guidance[]

In Indian religions, both Hinduism and Buddhism, upadeśa is the spiritual instruction and example provided by the guru:

The guru does not merely ask his disciple to perform a task; he helps him by remaining by his side and directing him, indeed remaining close to his heart and showing the pupil the path he must follow in this life.[2]

The term can also be used for the Buddhist Abhidhamma and other religious commentaries.[3]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b spokensanskrit.de, Upadeza
  2. ^ Dictionary of Spirirtual Terms, upadesa
  3. ^ Encyclopedia britannica, Upadeśa
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