Shodashalashya, Shodashan-lashya, Ṣoḍaśalāśyā: 1 definition

Introduction:

Shodashalashya means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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.

The Sanskrit term Ṣoḍaśalāśyā can be transliterated into English as Sodasalasya or Shodashalashya, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Ṣoḍaśalāśyā (षोडशलाश्या) refers to the “sixteen dances” which (as part of the Gurumaṇḍala rite) refers to one of the various rituals typically performed as a part of the larger rites, according to Buddhist teachings followed by the Newah in Nepal, Kathmandu Valley (whose roots can be traced to the Licchavi period, 300-879 CE).—[...] Within the gurumaṇḍala the mantra-pātra, from the Cakrasaṃvara-samādhi and Vāruṇī-pūjā is also worshiped, along with caṇḍalī-yoga, “yogic heat”, as amṛta-kuṇḍalī, “the nectar of kuṇḍalinī (yoga)”. The gurumaṇḍala also contains the ṣoḍaśalāśyā, “the sixteen dances”, which is actually sixteen dancing Goddesses, which symbolize offerings of the senses, and are usually performed using mudrās, “hand gestures”.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of shodashalashya or sodasalasya in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: