'''Upadeśa''' (Sanskrit: उपदेश), "teaching," "instruction",<ref name="SD-upadesa">[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=+upadesa&direction=AU spokensanskrit.de, ''Upadeza'']</ref> is the spiritual guidance provided by a guru or spiritual teacher.
==Etymology== The term ''upadeśa'' has various, related meanings:<ref name="SD-upadesa" /> * "information," "clarification," "specification" * "preaching," "prescription" * "instruction," "guidance," "pointing out to" * "initiation," "communication of the initiatory mantra or formula"
==Spiritual guidance== 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.<ref>[http://www.dictionaryofspiritualterms.com/public/Glossaries/terms.aspx?ID=879 Dictionary of Spirirtual Terms, ''upadesa'']</ref>}}
The term can also be used for the Buddhist Abhidhamma and other religious commentaries.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/topic/upadesa Encyclopedia britannica, ''Upadeśa'']</ref>
==See also== * Upadesasahasri - A thousand teachings, a text by Adi Shankara * Ramana Maharshi
==References== {{reflist}}
Category:Hindu education Category:Buddhist education