Magic: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Magic means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramMagic seems to be such an important characteristic of Tantric practice that some scholars believe that the original most primitive forms of it were all magical. This is hard to determine and may partly be true, although it is hard to maintain that is entirely the case as it would be difficult to account for the existence of other characteristics that in some form or another are always present to some degree. Moreover, although magic rites do invariably form a part of all Tantric systems, to very varying degrees, they are never the core concern.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraMagic can be defined according to higher and lower Mantric practice.—Mantras, especially within the Tantric tradition, can be used to different ends—ends that, though different, are not necessarily incompatible...liberation, supernatural powers, and even destructive magical abilities can not only be taught in the same text, but even be bestowed to an adept through the performance of one ritual only. [...] Tantric texts do make a distinction between higher and lower mantric practice. Such a definition of magic focuses on the form the rite takes rather than the results. Mantras then can provisionally be described as religious language that contains magical characteristics.
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): (Shaivism)Magic is denoted by the Sanskrit term Indrajāla.—In his commentary to the Svacchandatantra (11.197), Kṣemarāja provides the following definition: “Kuhaka is that which causes astonishment and convinces those of limited understanding. It is chiefly magic (indrajāla)”. In his commentary on the Netratantra (18.89), Kṣemarāja glosses kuhakāni as: “Deceitful (things) such as amulets of control, witches, etc.”. These glosses affirm that kuhaka can be understood more specifically to mean an astonishing, magical feat rather than its general sense of something that causes astonishment, the latter definition being that of Dhātupāṭha 10.443.
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the VisnudharmottarapuranaMagic (and creating illusions) was traditionally practiced as part of the “sixty four kinds of Art”, according to the Kamasutra of Vatsyayana.—Cf. the Sanskrit Aindrajāla.—Indian tradition, basically includes sixty four Art forms are acknowledged. The history of Indian Art covers approximately five thousand years which presents a rich and almost continuous record. The references of sixty four kinds of Kala (कला, kalā) are found in the Bhagavatapurana, Shaiva-Tantras, Kamasutra of Vatsyayana etc.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Astonishing feat, Magic guarri, Magic gwarri, Magic wand, Magical Powers, Magical sword, Magiche, Makicutan.
Ends with: Black magic, Practical magic.
Full-text (+1176): Abhicara, Indrajala, Aindrajala, Jadu, Mulakarman, Vidyabala, Karmana, Mayaprayoga, Gutika, Samprayoga, Kuvidya, Mantravidya, Mantrayoga, Jadugara, Asuramaya, Aindrajalika, Maya, Kritikara, Mayin, Shambara.
Relevant text
Search found 212 books and stories containing Magic; (plurals include: Magics). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 18: Tricked by a sorcerer < [Chapter II - Marriages of Vasudeva with maidens]
Part 31: Bālacandrā < [Chapter II - Marriages of Vasudeva with maidens]
Part 26: Kidnaped by Mānasavega < [Chapter II - Marriages of Vasudeva with maidens]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
First comparison or upamāna: A magic show (māyā) < [Bodhisattva quality 19: the ten upamānas]
Preliminary note (2): The abhijñās in the Abhidharma < [Part 1 - Becoming established in the six superknowledges]
Introduction: the ten comparisons (upamāna) < [Bodhisattva quality 19: the ten upamānas]
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
Chapter LXXIX < [Book XII - Śaśāṅkavatī]
Note on magical circles (maṇḍala) < [Notes]
Note on the magic string < [Notes]
Tibetan tales (derived from Indian sources) (by W. R. S. Ralston)
Chapter 20 - The Magicians Pupil
Chapter 15 - The story of Ṛṣyaśṛṅga
Shishupala-vadha (Study) (by Shila Chakraborty)
Knowledge of Tantra in the Śiśupālavadha < [Introduction]
Spies in the Arthaśāstra (2): Sañcāra < [Chapter 4 - Activities of spy]
Principles of war fare (Introduction) < [Chapter 6 - Principles of Warfare]
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