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🪷intro to buddhism review

Disciple

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A disciple is a follower or student who is dedicated to learning from a teacher, often referred to as a guru, in a spiritual context. This relationship involves not just the acquisition of knowledge, but also a deep commitment to embodying the teachings and principles shared by the guru. The concept of discipleship plays a crucial role in spiritual traditions, highlighting the importance of guidance, initiation, and personal transformation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Discipleship often involves a personal relationship between the disciple and the guru, emphasizing trust and mutual respect.
  2. In many traditions, initiation signifies the beginning of a disciple's formal training and commitment to the teachings of their guru.
  3. Disciples are expected to practice and embody the teachings they receive, demonstrating loyalty and dedication to their spiritual path.
  4. The process of becoming a disciple may include rigorous training, meditation, and ethical practices that align with the guru's teachings.
  5. The concept of the disciple is crucial for understanding how spiritual knowledge is transmitted across generations within various traditions.

Review Questions

  • How does the relationship between a guru and a disciple shape the learning process in spiritual traditions?
    • The relationship between a guru and a disciple is foundational in spiritual traditions because it creates a dynamic of trust and guidance. The guru imparts wisdom and practices that are essential for the disciple's spiritual growth. This relationship ensures that teachings are not just theoretical but are integrated into daily life through personal mentorship, thus fostering deep transformation.
  • Discuss the significance of initiation for a disciple in the context of their spiritual journey.
    • Initiation is significant for a disciple as it marks their formal entry into a spiritual tradition and establishes their commitment to the teachings of the guru. This ritual often involves specific rites that symbolize purification, acceptance, and readiness to embark on the path. It solidifies the bond between the guru and disciple while providing a structured environment for growth and learning.
  • Evaluate how the role of disciples influences the continuity of spiritual traditions over time.
    • The role of disciples is critical for ensuring the continuity of spiritual traditions, as they carry forward the teachings of their gurus. Through their practice and embodiment of these teachings, disciples serve as both learners and teachers themselves, creating a lineage that preserves essential knowledge. Their experiences and interpretations can adapt traditional practices to contemporary contexts while remaining rooted in foundational principles, ensuring that these teachings remain relevant across generations.