Upadeśa

The term upadeśa has various, related meanings:

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

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

{{quote|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.[http://www.dictionaryofspiritualterms.com/public/Glossaries/terms.aspx?ID=879 Dictionary of Spirirtual Terms, upadesa]}}

The term can also be used for the Buddhist Abhidhamma and other religious commentaries.[http://www.britannica.com/topic/upadesa Encyclopedia britannica, Upadeśa]

• Upadesasahasri - A thousand teachings, a text by Adi Shankara
• Ramana Maharshi

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Category:Hindu education

Category:Buddhist education