Dakshinachara

Dakshinachara

The term Dakshinachara (Right-Hand Path) is a technical term used to refer to Tantric sects that do not engage in heterodox practices. In contrast, "Vamachara" (Left-Hand Path) is used to describe particular tantric practices that are considered heterodox according to usual Hindu social norms.

Etymology

N. N. Bhattacharyya explains the Sanskrit technical term "IAST|ācāra" as follows:

"Ācāra". The means of spiritual attainment which varies from person to person according to competence.... "Ācāras" are generally of seven kinds -- Veda, Vaiṣṇava, Śaiva, Dakṣiṇa, Vāma, Siddhāṇta, and Kaula, falling into two broad categories -- Dakṣiṇa and Vāma. Interpretations vary regarding the nature and grouping of the "ācāras"." [Bhattacharyya (1999) pp. 368-69.]

"IAST|Dakṣiṇa" mans "right". [Macdonell, A. A. (1996) p. 115.] For this reason, the term Dakṣiṇāra is often translated "Right-hand practice".

Practices

The "Brahma Yamala", a Tantric text, says there are three currents of tradition (dakshina, vama, and madhyama) characterized respectively by the predominance of each of the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas). According to this text, dakshina is characterized by sattva, and is pure; vama, characterized by rajas, is mixed; and madhyama, characterized by tamas, is impure. The Tantras of each class follow a particular line of spiritual practices. [Bagchi, P. C. "Evolution of the Tantras" in: Prabhananda (2000) pp. 13-14.] Dakshinachara consists of traditional Hindu practices such as asceticism and meditation.

ee also

*Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path
* Tantra

Notes

References

*Bhattacharya, N. N. "History of the Tantric Religion". Second Revised Edition. Manohar Publications, Delhi, 1999. ISBN 81-7304-025-7
*Macdonell, Arthur Anthony. "A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary". Munshiram Monoharlal Publishers. 1996 Edition. ISBN 81-215-0715-4


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path — The terms Left Hand Path and Right Hand Path refer to a dichotomy between two opposing belief systems, whose meanings have varied over time. Modern definitions of Right Hand Path elevate spirituality, the strict observance of moral codes, and the …   Wikipedia

  • Путь левой руки — (ПЛР) и Путь Правой Руки (ППР) термины, относящиеся к предполагаемой дихотомии между двумя различными типами религий. Точное значение терминов изменялось со временем; наиболее современное использование терминов относительно религий фокусируется… …   Википедия

  • Путь Левой Руки — (ПЛР) и Путь Правой Руки (ППР) термины, относящиеся к предполагаемой дихотомии между двумя различными типами религий. Точное значение терминов изменялось со временем; наиболее современное использование терминов относительно религий фокусируется… …   Википедия

  • Путь Левой руки — (ПЛР) и Путь Правой Руки (ППР) термины, относящиеся к предполагаемой дихотомии между двумя различными типами религий. Точное значение терминов изменялось со временем; наиболее современное использование терминов относительно религий фокусируется… …   Википедия

  • Dakṣiṇācāra — The term Dakshinachara (Right Hand Path) is a technical term used to refer to Tantric sects that do not engage in heterodox practices. In contrast, Vamachara (Left Hand Path) is used to describe particular tantric practices that are considered… …   Wikipedia

  • Vamachara — El término sánscrito vāmāchāra significa ‘conducta de la izquierda’ y es sinónimo de vāma mārga (‘el sendero de la mano izquierda’ o ‘el sendero izquierdo’). Es usado para describir particulares prácticas tántricas y es considerado heterodoxo (no …   Wikipedia Español

  • Tantra — (Sanskrit: तन्त्र ; weave denoting continuity [Norbu, p. 49] ), tantricism or tantrism is any of several esoteric traditions rooted in the religions of India. The tantric movement has influenced the Hindu, Bön, Buddhist, and Jain religious… …   Wikipedia

  • Bagalamukhi — Affiliation Mahavidya Bagalamukhi or Bagala (Devnagari बगळामुखी ),(Bengali বগলামুখী),(Oriya ବଗଳାମୁଖୀ) is one of the ten mahavidyas (great wisdom goddesses) in Hinduism. Bagalamukhi Devi smashes the …   Wikipedia

  • Kamakhya Temple — Infobox Mandir caption= Kamakhaya Temple, Guwahati creator = Chilarai proper name = Kamakhya Temple date built = 1565 primary deity = Kamakhya architecture = location = Nilachal Hill, near Guwahati, AssamThe Kamakhya Temple is a shakti temple… …   Wikipedia

  • Panchamakara — Panchamakara, also known as the Five Ms, is a Tantric term referring to the five substances used in a Tantric puja or sadhana:* madya (wine) * māmsa (meat) * matsya (fish) * mudrā (parched grain) * maithuna (sexual intercourse)The Hindu taboo… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”