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Bhagavān

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Copyright

Bhagavān (Skt., 1st person nom. of bhagavat, ‘having shares’, from √bhaj, ‘distribute, partake’). Hindu epithet for God as constantly concerned for human well-being, and as ‘one who receives his share’ (sc., of offerings and honour). Although the term can be used as a title of respect for honoured individuals, especially teachers (it is used of the Buddha, see BHAGAVĀ, or more recently in the form ‘Bhagwan’ in Rajneeshism), it is most commonly used of God as Lord. A Bhāgavata is one who is devoted to Bhagvān, in a disposition of bhakti. Major texts of this devotion are Bhagavad-gītā and Bhāgavata-purāṇa.

Initially, Bhāgavatas were not organized as a movement or sect. Subsequently many bhakti movements of Bhāgavatas came into being.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Bhagavān." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Bhagavān." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Bhagavn.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Bhagavān." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Bhagavn.html

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Bhagavan

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | | Copyright

Bhagavan (Skt.; Pāli, Bhagavant). Reverential title used of the Buddha in sūtras, variously translated as ‘Lord’, ‘Master’, ‘Blessed One’, etc.

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DAMIEN KEOWN. "Bhagavan." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Bhagavan." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Bhagavan.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Bhagavan." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Bhagavan.html

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