Upadeśa (Sanskrit: उपदेश), "teaching," "instruction",[1] is the spiritual guidance provided by a guru or spiritual teacher.
Etymology
editThe 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
editIn 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
edit- Upadesasahasri - A thousand teachings, a text by Adi Shankara
- Ramana Maharshi