Religion: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Religion 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

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Religion in Purana glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana

Religion refers to one of the topics dealt with in the Puranic literature: a category of ancient Sanskrit texts which gives a huge contribution in the development of Indian literature.—The Vishnudharmottara Purana contains different aspects of knowledge. Along with the narratives, this work bears immense information in various fields of study. The first khanda of the Vishnudharmottara Purana consists of 269 adhyayas. The first khanda contains the discussion about various subject matters such as Geographical account, Astronomy, Astrology, Religion, Politics, Chronography and Genealogies of kings and sages and their stories.

Purana book cover
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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.

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Yoga (school of philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Religion in Yoga glossary
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

(Various) Religions are denoted by the Sanskrit term Darśana, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] Adopting external sectarian emblems such as [carrying] one staff, three staffs and so on; [wearing] matted hair, ashes and the like; plucking out the hair and nakedness; wearing ochre robes; pretending to be mad, adopting the way of a non-vedic religion and [consuming] food and drink that should not be consumed, [are all] seen in various religions (nānā-darśana-darśita). [...]”.

Yoga book cover
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Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

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