Significance of Prayojana

Prayojana, in the context of Vaishnavism, is defined as the ultimate goal of devotional practice, which is attaining Krishna-prema or love for Krishna. It emphasizes the importance of developing loving service to Krishna's lotus feet and fulfilling spiritual goals as outlined in Vedic texts. In Vedanta, Prayojana signifies the purpose behind actions, while in Dharmashastra, it represents the motivating factors for moral and spiritual actions. Additionally, in science, Prayojana pertains to the objectives of Ayurvedic practices and philosophical concepts.

Synonyms: Purpose, Aim, Objective, Goal, Benefit, Advantage, Utility, Significance, Intention, End, Mission.

In Dutch: Prayojana; In German: Prayojana; In Finnish: Prayojana; In Spanish: Prayojana

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

Hindu concept of 'Prayojana'

Hinduism Books

Prayojana in Hinduism signifies the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, focusing on developing a loving relationship with the Supreme Lord, achieving fulfillment through devotion, and serving Krishna, representing the core motivating factor of moral and spiritual actions.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Prayojana represents the goal of life and is depicted by the third instance of bhakti in bhakti-yoga.[1] (2) The ultimate goal of life as described in Vedic texts, which relates to fulfillment in the context of a relationship with the divine.[2]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual life, which is to develop loving service to the lotus feet of Shri Krishna.[3]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The ultimate goal of devotional practice, specifically the attainment of Krishna-prema (love for Krishna).[4]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) The ultimate objective or purpose of spiritual practice, which is achieving a loving relationship with the Supreme Lord.[5]

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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The incentive or motivating factor driving a particular action, often seen as the cause for the resulting effect in contexts of moral and spiritual actions.[6]

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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The Sanskrit term for the desired outcome or purpose behind actions; it signifies the motivation to engage in activities.[7]

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).