Significance of Shakha
Synonyms: Branch, Subdivision, Segment, Division, Section, Limb, Arm
In Spanish: Shaka; In Dutch: Shakha; In Finnish: Shakha; In German: Schacha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Shakha'
Shakha in Hinduism refers to both branches or schools of Vedic texts with distinct teachings, and the anatomical extremities where Doshas are situated, highlighting their significance in health and spiritual practices.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Shakhas are the areas where Doshas are eliminated through Raktamokshana, as stated in the provided text.[1] (2) Sakha is where the sliminess occurs due to Ama, and where the sliminess and the Dosha accumulate, which is eradicated by Ruksana leading to Vyadhi Upasamana.[2] (3) Shakha is the site where the disease is manifested, and it is where the Vyakta Sthana is located.[3] (4) Shakha refers to the peripheral tissues, and the Doshas can be brought from Shakha to Koshta by Vriddhi and Vishyandana, before Shodhana.[4] (5) Shakhas are the extremities, and in Vatarakta, aggravated Vata located in Shakha and joints causes obstruction to Raktamarga, leading to various symptoms.[5]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This is also known as Bahya Rogamarga or the External pathway; it is also known as the Outer pathway or the Peripheral system.[6] (2) The text mentions that 400 Peshis are located in this region of the body.[7] (3) Swedana facilitating the movement of Doshas from peripheral tissues.[8]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The entity adorns the sakhas in gopi dress, as is mentioned in the provided text.[9] (2) The close friends and companions of Shri Krishna who accompany Him in various activities.[10] (3) The friends of Shri Krishna, whose presence and companionship in Vrindavana the gopis reference in their lament.[11] (4) a male friend, companion or attendant.[12] (5) The numerous cowherd boys who accompany Krishna as He tends to the cows, contributing to the gopis' feelings of exclusion and longing.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Cowherd friends of Lord Krishna who exhibit deep affection and camaraderie.[14] (2) The cowherd friends of Shri Krishna who express concern when He is missing.[15] (3) The cowherd boyfriends of Shri Krishna, whose images are also part of the adornment in Vrindavana.[16]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Friends of Krishna, particularly those who are younger, noted for their loving and playful interactions with Him.[17] (2) A friend who is more like a companion or peer, sharing camaraderie and mutual enjoyment.[18] (3) The term used to refer to friends or companions, emphasizing connection and camaraderie in the narrative.[19]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Friends of Krishna in Vraja, who engage in playful activities and share in His adventures.[20] (2) A term referring to a close friend or companion, particularly in the context of Krishna’s relationships.[21]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Means 'friend,' referring to the relational dynamics among the gopas and Krishna.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The text explains that the same rule applies to other Vidyas, and in consequence they are not many, though differently described in different Sakhas, referring to different schools or branches.[23] (2) Different branches or textual traditions within the larger Vedic corpus, each having its unique interpretations.[24] (3) Branches or schools of the Vedic tradition that hold different teachings and practices related to the Vidyas.[25] (4) Branches or schools of Vedic teachings, each containing its own Upanishads and associated Mantras.[26] (5) Branches or schools of thought within the broader philosophical or ritual framework, reflecting diverse interpretations.[27]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) It refers to a specific branch or school of Vedic study, and the text discusses passages belonging to the same one. It is relevant when considering the unity of knowledge and meditation practices.[28] (2) These are different branches of the Veda where injunctions of vidyas connected with certain members of sacrificial acts are found.[29] (3) This refers to a specific branch or school of thought, where qualities attributed to the subject of a vidya in one of these branches may be inserted in others.[30] (4) A branch or school within the Vedic tradition responsible for the transmission of specific texts and rituals.[31] (5) Branches of Vedic literature, some of which allegedly contain expressions suggesting the pradhana.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) It refers to certain scriptural traditions where it is written that someone who understands Brahman may abandon the state of householder.[33] (2) These are branches or schools of Vedic texts, where certain meditations are mentioned, and the question arises whether they are restricted to these specific branches.[34]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) Different branches or schools of thought have varying opinions on these matters.[35]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A man who knows the mantras only of one Shakha shall be impure during four days.[36]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) It is the Vastu arising from the Tryasra Tala represented with six Kalas.[37]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) These are the side frames of the door, and their varieties depend on their position on the sides, up and down, according to the Samaranganasutradhara.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Sakha is one of the four forms assumed by the adorable and puissant lord; Kartikeya’s Vayu form proceeded towards Agni.[39]
Jain concept of 'Shakha'
In Jainism, Shakha is interpreted as Vinoda's wife. She met Datta at a Yaksha temple and subsequently murdered her husband, Vinoda, using Ramana's sword.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Shakha is Vinoda's wife, who went to a Yaksha-temple to meet Datta, and she later killed Vinoda with Ramana’s sword.[40]
The concept of Shakha in local and regional sources
Shakha pertains to the branches of learning within the Vedic system, representing the codification of orally transmitted knowledge. It emphasizes the textual and educational variations in ancient Indian scriptures.
The concept of Shakha in scientific sources
Shakha refers to the body's extremities related to Snayu, facilitates dosha mobilization during Snehana, reflects external disease manifestations, and serves as an anatomical descriptor for certain Marmas, linking structure and function within Ayurveda.