Significance of Santa

Santa, as described in various philosophical and literary contexts, predominantly refers to a state of peace and tranquility. In Shilpashastra and Vaishnavism, it embodies the sentiment of quietism and spiritual calmness, emphasizing relationships of peaceful devotion towards Krishna. The term also denotes a character associated with royal lineage in Purana and represents an emotional quality in Natyashastra, related to dispassionate expressiveness. Overall, Santa signifies a primary rasa reflective of serene, meditative states across multiple traditions, highlighting tranquility's essential role in spiritual practice.1
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Synonyms: Father christmas

In Dutch: Kerstman; In Finnish: Joulupukki; In Spanish: Papá Noel; In German: Weihnachtsmann

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

Buddhist concept of 'Santa'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Santa symbolizes the inherent peace found in the nature of dharmas, reflecting the ultimate tranquility and stillness that underlies existence and embodies the essence of enlightenment and spiritual harmony.

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

(1) The quality of being always at peace which characterizes the true nature of dharmas.[1]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Santa'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Santa" embodies tranquility and peacefulness, representing a state of serene detachment. It encompasses the first of the nine rasas, a state achieved through devotion, highlighted by figures like Shanta, the king's daughter.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

(1) This is the third type that is included within the shuddha-rati category, representing a specific classification.[2] (2) A rasa that represents peace and tranquility.[3] (3) Referring to a state of peace or calmness that is cultivated through devotional practices.[4] (4) Indicates the peaceful devotees of Krishna who embody the santa-rasa relationship.[5] (5) The first of the five types of primary rasa that is mentioned, associated with peace and tranquility.[6]

(1) An adjective denoting tranquility or peacefulness, often describing a state of being or character.[7] (2) An individual represented in the text, considered to be born in Vraja.[8]

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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) Shanta is a lady who is described as being fair and is associated with Rishyashring, with the king attending to the wild hermit and his child.[9] (2) Shanta is the name of the king's daughter, who becomes the Brahman Rishyashring's wife, representing a significant relationship in the story.[10] (3) A daughter of Dasharatha, who is considered fair and of happy destiny, and who is later given to Lomapad and marries Rishyashring.[11]

(1) The daughter of Lomapada who becomes the wife of Rishyasringa, depicted as obedient and affectionate.[12]

The Purana 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.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

(1) gradually closing the lids, the eyes slightly moving, the pupils moving to the corners; the peaceful glance of dispassion.[13]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

The concept of Santa in local and regional sources

History Books

Santa embodies complex emotional ties, reflecting Rudra's past and fostering peace in spiritual relationships. Additionally, as a character in Srinivasa's play, Santa symbolizes the interplay between masculine and feminine dynamics.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) A character who represents Rudra's past emotional ties; her interactions with Rudra suggest the complexity of his feelings and his connections back home.[14] (2) A play by Srinivasa that explores the complementary nature of man and woman through character interactions.[15] (3) The state of peace that embodies a serene, reflective quality in the devotee’s relationship with the divine.[16]

(1) This is one of the five kinds of Raganuga Bhakti, as illustrated by the religion of Christ, reflecting a peaceful and serene approach to devotion.[17]

Plural form: Shantas.