Significance of Trick

The term Trick has multiple interpretations across different contexts. In South Asia, it describes clever maneuvers by the Vedarala and deceptive acts by a second thief, leading to misfortune for others. In Vaishnavism, it signifies Krishna's cunning strategies, including his disguise as a cowherd boy. The Dharmashastra perspective emphasizes using deceit to compel debt repayment, showcasing the various nuances of Trick as a means of manipulation or cunning in various cultural and religious narratives.1
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Synonyms: Deception, Scheme, Strategy, Con, Stratagem, Artifice, Hoax, Dodge, Subterfuge

In Swedish: Lura; In Dutch: Truc; In German: Trick; In Finnish: Temppu; In Spanish: Truco; In Italian: Trucco; In French: Astuce; In Portugese: Truque

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

Buddhist concept of 'Trick'
Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Trick" may refer to a bhikshu's clever method of gaining access to a royal palace after being initially refused entry, highlighting resourcefulness.

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

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.

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A stratagem employed by King Ashoka to convert his brother Vitashoka to the Holy Dharma.[1] (2) A method employed by the bhikshu to gain entry to the royal palace after being initially denied.[2]

Hindu concept of 'Trick'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Trick" encompasses deceit for loan repayment, Krishna's cunning strategies, and the clever guise of a cowherd boy, illustrating themes of cunning and deception reflected in personal and divine actions.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

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’).

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) A trick was played on Bali by Vamanavatara, leading to the theft of the three worlds, highlighting a deceptive act, based on the provided description.[3]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A deceptive act or scheme employed to achieve a goal, often involving misrepresentation or cunning manipulation of a situation to one's advantage.[4] (2) An action or scheme that is cunning or deceitful, related to the definition of paka in this context.[5]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A deceitful act or strategy employed by Krishna; in the text, it refers to how He managed to outwit others.[6]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) the deceptive act of appearing as a cowherd boy[7]

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

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.

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Using deceitful means to compel a debtor to repay a loan, often through pretexts such as ceremonial borrowing.[8]

Jain concept of 'Trick'
Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Trick" is exemplified by Mrigavati's clever plan. She used it to safeguard her son and family's dignity from Candapradyota's unwanted advances, showcasing resourcefulness in challenging circumstances.

Significance in Jainism (general):

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Simhodara stated that if Rama was devoted to tricks, his life would be enough, indicating his fear and surrender.[9] (2) A cunning plan employed by Mrigavati to protect her son and family honor from Candapradyota's advances.[10]

The concept of Trick in local and regional sources
History Books

The keyphrase "Trick" encompasses clever maneuvers and deceptive acts employed by the Vedarala and a thief, respectively, highlighting strategies used to outsmart opponents and exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Trick refers to a specific technique or method that the author did not know when he tried his hand at writing a limerick.[11] (2) The common man needed no **trick** just to live, implying that they did not need to resort to artificial means to survive.[12] (3) Clever maneuvers attempted when one is about to lose, as accused by the Mirza towards the Mir.[13]

From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas

(1) The trick involves inducing the Strong man to consume tobacco while working with sabai, leading to the loss of his strength, highlighting the farmer's manipulative tactics.[14]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Tricks is the recipient of loving pats on the head from the author, indicating a close and affectionate relationship.[15]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) A clever strategy proposed by the Parrot Chief to feign death and escape from the Kinnaras' net.[16] (2) Deceptive act performed by the second thief to create a situation that leads to the merchant's misfortune.[17] (3) A clever maneuver employed by the Vedarala to outwit Maraya and secure his own safety by forcing Maraya into a vulnerable situation.[18]

Classical concept of 'Trick'
Various literature Books

Meaning of Trick in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) The Lapdog knew many tricks, which contributed to him being a great favorite with his master and receiving special treatment.[19] (2) A cunning act or scheme designed to deceive or outwit someone, often involving misrepresentation or illusion to gain an advantage over others.[20] (3) A deceptive act or performance was attempted by two individuals.[21] (4) The Lion employs a trick to lure the Bull, hoping to create an opportunity to attack the Bull when he is vulnerable, as the Lion attempts to deceive the Bull.[22] (5) The tricks are the various methods the fox employs in an attempt to reach the grapes, all of which prove unsuccessful in the story.[23]

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) It refers to the clever plan or scheme that Oibares was asked to devise in order to ensure that Dareios' horse neighed first.[24]

From: The Argonautica (English translation)

(1) A "trick" is a cunning or deceptive act or strategy designed to achieve a particular goal, which Chalciope asks Medea to devise for the stranger's benefit.[25]