Arya – Definition & Meaning

The term ‘Arya’ has been used in various contexts throughout history. It has been used as a name, a title, and a term of respect. The word ‘Arya’ has been used in different languages and cultures, and its meaning has evolved over time. In this article, we will explore the different definitions, origins, and associations of the term ‘Arya.’.

Definitions

The term ‘Arya’ has been defined in various ways, depending on the context in which it is used. In Hinduism, ‘Arya’ is used to refer to a person who follows the Vedic religion. In Buddhism, ‘Arya’ is used to refer to a person who has attained a high level of spiritual development. In ancient Persia, ‘Arya’ was used to refer to the Aryan race, which was believed to be superior to other races.

Origin

The origin of the term ‘Arya’ can be traced back to ancient India. The word ‘Arya’ was used in the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts of Hinduism, to refer to a person of noble birth. Over time, the term ‘Arya’ came to be associated with the Vedic religion and its followers. The term ‘Arya’ was also used in ancient Persia to refer to the Aryan race.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of the term ‘Arya’ varies depending on the dictionary consulted. In the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘Arya’ is defined as a member of the Aryan race. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, ‘Arya’ is defined as a person of noble birth in ancient India. In the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘Arya’ is defined as a term of respect used in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Associations

The term ‘Arya’ is associated with various religions and cultures. In Hinduism, ‘Arya’ is associated with the Vedic religion and its followers. In Buddhism, ‘Arya’ is associated with spiritual development and enlightenment. In ancient Persia, ‘Arya’ was associated with the Aryan race, which was believed to be superior to other races.

Synonyms

The synonyms of the term ‘Arya’ include noble, honorable, respected, and esteemed.

Antonyms

The antonyms of the term ‘Arya’ include ignoble, dishonorable, disrespected, and despised.

The same root words

The term ‘Arya’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘arya,’ which means noble or honorable. The same root word can be found in other languages, such as Persian and Greek.

Example Sentences

1. In Hinduism, an Arya is a person who follows the Vedic religion.
2. The Buddha taught that the path to enlightenment is open to all, including Aryas.
3. The ancient Persians believed that the Aryan race was superior to other races.
4. The Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded in the 19th century.
5. The term ‘Aryan’ has been used to justify racism and discrimination in the past.