Significance of Lakshana

Lakshana is a term that encompasses defining characteristics across various disciplines, including Tibetan Buddhism, Vastushastra, Shilpashastra, and Vaishnavism. It refers to the distinctive attributes that describe the essence of words, architectural elements, and the characteristics of dharmas. In Ayurveda, Lakshana specifically pertains to the symptoms or clinical features associated with diseases, aiding in diagnostics and treatment. Overall, Lakshana serves as a foundational concept in understanding definitions, characteristics, and meanings across multiple contexts.1
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Synonyms: Characteristic, Trait, Attribute, Quality, Property, Aspect

In Dutch: Lakshana; In German: Lakshana; In Finnish: Lakshana; In Spanish: Lakshana; In Swedish: Lakshana; In Malay: Lakshana; In French: Lakshana

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Lakshana'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Lakshana refers to the essential characteristics of dharmas perceived as empty, the thirty-two marks of a Bodhisattva denoting spiritual qualities, and the defining signs that articulate the essence of words.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The characteristics or attributes of dharmas that, according to certain teachings, are also empty.[1] (2) The thirty-two physical marks of a Bodhisattva, including the vyamaprabha, which signify special spiritual qualities.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) A term used in the context of the text; refers to the defining characteristics or signs that words express.[3]

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 (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Lakshana'

Hinduism Books

Lakshana in Hinduism encompasses characteristics of temples, indirect interpretations of concepts, symbolic meanings, and qualitative functions in language. It highlights the interplay between words, contexts, and their deeper, often implied meanings in various cultural and spiritual contexts.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) An indirect way of revealing or interpreting the meaning of a concept, often used in the context of understanding spiritual truths.[4] (2) The Sanskrit term for 'definition', referring to the explanation or description of a thing.[5]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) The concept of implied meanings within the context of philosophical text, which includes three kinds: Jahati, Ajahati, and Bhaga.[6]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra

(1) The preparation and symbolism associated with the place for sacred fire, indicating a specific arrangement and ritual cleanliness.[7] (2) A ceremonial marker or symbol involved in the rituals performed near the fire.[8]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A term that often refers to definitions or characteristics that describe the essence of words.[9]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A term that denotes the principle of indirect or suggestive meaning within language and sentence structure.[10]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) Characteristics or features ascribed to rock-cut temples, distinguishing them from structural temples.[11]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

The concept of Lakshana in local and regional sources

History Books

Lakshana is significant as it encompasses two key aspects: the thirty-six artistic modes for literature creation and the nuanced interpretation of meanings, allowing shifts from literal to inferred concepts, particularly when intentions may not align with the objects referenced.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The thirty-six modes of artistic expression defined by ancient scholars, which guide the creation of literature.[12] (2) A type of meaning where the primary understanding of a word is altered to infer another concept, especially in contexts where commands may not be fulfilled by the objects mentioned.[13]

Plural form: De Lakshana.