In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Saptāvarta (सप्तावर्त) refers to “(one who has) returned seven times” according to the Hevajratantra.—There is a stage of spiritual development when the aspirant becomes a Srotāpanna, lit. “one who has entered the stream”. Having entered this ‘stream’ he needs only seven more lifetimes in order to achieve liberation. This notion was later adapted by the Buddhist Tantras who, developing within the same cultural milieu as their Śaiva counterparts, needed in a like manner to purify and interiorize more primitive beliefs. In this context we may refer to the Hevajratantra which affirms that the best sacrificial offering is a man who has traversed this course and become one who has “returned seven times” (saptāvarta).

According to the Hevajrapiṇḍārthaṭīkā by Vajragarbha (commentary on Hevajratantra 1.7.21)—“[...] Of all embodied beings this body represents seven births, for from the eating and drinking of food and drink with their six flavours, these are digested and nourishment increases. This is called the first birth. Then the blood is formed and this is the second birth. Then flesh which is the third, skin which is the fourth, the formation of veins which is the fifth, then bones which is the six, then flesh and marrow, and this is the seventh”.

context information

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.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Google Books: Sat-Sahasrika-Hevajratika

Saptāvarta (सप्तावर्त) refers to “one born as human being in seven consecutive births” according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrikā-Hevajra-Ṭīkā by Daśabhūmīśvara Vajragharba, which is commentary on the Hevajratantra.—Accordingly, “Saptāvarta is the person either man or woman born as human being in seven consecutive births. His characteristics are as follows: He is born with seven shadows, his eyes do not close, on the forehead there is a third wrinkle, and his body gives out sweet smell. If one meets such a person he should offer him a flower, encircle him, address him as ‘Oh, Lord of Togins, now is the time to act for the good of (people) like us’.”.

Source: Google Books: Tāranātha's Bkaʼ Babs Bdun Ldan

Saptāvarta (सप्तावर्त) (Tibetan: skye.ba.bdun.pa) (cf. Lūyipa) refers to “one born seven times” (as a Brāhmaṇa) according to Tāranātha’s work called “The Seven Instruction Lineages”.—Saptāvarta refers to one who has reached a high spiritual and physical state.—“Should anyone partake of the flesh of a ‘seven born’ Brāhmaṇa, he would attain miraculous powers/siddhi”.—(cf. Roerich The Blue Annals, p. 858)

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Avarta, Sapta.

Full-text: Shrotapanna, Luyipa.

Relevant text

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