Arambha, aka: Ārambha; 9 Definition(s)

Introduction

Arambha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Buddhism, Pali, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

1) Ārambha (आरम्भ, “banning”) refers to one of the nine preliminaries performed behind the stage curtain, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 5. Accordingly, “The commencement of vocal exercise for singing (parigīta) is called the ārambha (lit. banning).”

Performing the ārambha preliminary pleases the Gandharvas. According to Nāṭyaśāstra 5.57-58, “The performance of the Preliminaries which means worshipping (pūjā) the gods (devas), is praised by them (i.e. gods) and is conducive to duty, fame and long life. And this performance whether with or without songs, is meant for pleasing the Daityas and the Dānavas as well as the gods.”

2) Ārambha (आरम्भ) refers to a classification of bahirgīta (“instrumental music”), according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 29. Accordingly, “these are called bahir-gītas because they were outside (bahis) the performance of the play and were included in its preliminaries”.

Accordingly, “the constituting syllables in the ārambha are as follows: the first eight heavy, the next twelve and the final one light in the first section, and the four heavy, eight light, one heavy, four light, four heavy in the second section, eight light and the final (light) will form the next section”.

Ārambha (आरम्भ).—One of the five stages of action (avasthā);—That part of the play (lit. composition) which merely creates a curiosity about the Attainment of the great Object with reference to the Seed (bīja), is called the Beginning (ārambha).

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., 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) and poetic works (kavya).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

1) Ārambha (आरम्भ) refers to “commencement of activities” and it is one of the factors making up the 108 kinds of adhikaraṇa (‘substratum’) of the living beings (jīva). This substratum (instruments of inflow) represents the foundation or the basis of an entity.

Ārambha is a Sanskrit technical term defined in the Tattvārthasūtra (ancient authorative Jain scripture) from the 2nd century, which contains aphorisms dealing with philosophy and the nature of reality.

2) Ārambha (आरम्भ) refers to “excessive infliction of misery” and is one of the causes leading to the influx (āsrana) of infernal life (narakāyu) karmas.

Ārambha is a Sanskrit technical term defined in the Tattvārthasūtra (ancient authorative Jain scripture) from the 2nd century, which contains aphorisms dealing with philosophy and the nature of reality.

1) Ārambha (आरम्भ).—What is meant by commencement (ārambha) of activities? To start performing the activity intended is called commencement of activity.

2) Ārambha (आरम्भ).—One of the two types of narakāyu (infernal life karmas);—What is meant by ārambha? Activity which causes excessive misery and suffering to other living beings is called ārambha.

context information

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

ārambha : (m.) 1. the beginning; 2. attempt.

Ārambha, (Sk. ārambha in meaning “beginning”, fr ā + rabh (rambh) cp. ārabhati) — 1. attempt, effort, inception of energy (cp. Dhs. trsl. 15 & K. S. p. 318 giving C. def. as kicca, karaṇīya, attha, i.e. 1. undertaking & duty, 2. object) S. I, 76 (mah°); V, 66, 104 sq. (°dhātu); III, 338 (id.), 166 (°ja; T. arabbhaja, v. l. ārambhaja to be preferred) = Pug. 64; Miln. 244; Net 41; DhsA. 145. —viriyārambha (cp. āraddha-viriya) zeal, resolution, energy Vin. II, 197; S. IV, 175; A. I, 12, 16.—2. support, ground, object, thing Nett 70 sq. , 107; an° unsupported, independent Sn. 743 (= nibbāna SnA 507). Cp. also nirambha, upārambha, sārambha. (Page 107)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

ārambha (आरंभ).—m (S) Beginning, commencement; the entering into act or being, or the initial state or portion.

ārambha (आरंभ).—m Beginning, commencement.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ārambha (आरम्भ).—[ā-rabh-ghañ mum]

1) Beginning, commencement; °उपायः (upāyaḥ) plan of commencement; नृत्तारम्भे हर पशुपते- रार्द्रनागाजिनेच्छाम् (nṛttārambhe hara paśupate- rārdranāgājinecchām) Me.38.

2) An introduction.

3) (a) An act, undertaking, deed, work; आगमैः सदृशारम्भः (āgamaiḥ sadṛśārambhaḥ) R.1.15; Ku.7.71; V.3; Bh.2.69; R.7.31; Bg.12.16. cf. also आरम्भस्य शब्दपूर्वत्वात् (ārambhasya śabdapūrvatvāt) | MS.11.1.1 (śabara writes ārambho vyāpāraḥ kriyetyanarthāntaram |). (b) Preparation; U.4. (c) A thing begun; U.4.

4) Haste, speed, velocity; चण्डारम्भः समीरः (caṇḍārambhaḥ samīraḥ) Ve.2.19.

5) Effort, exertion; Bg.14.12.

6) Scene, action; चित्रार्पितारम्भ इवावतस्थे (citrārpitārambha ivāvatasthe) R.2.31.

7) Pride.

8) Killing, slaughter.

9) The first act that is done.

1) The first movement or activity on the part of man; आरम्भो हि प्रथमः पदार्थः स्यात् । प्रथमं वा पुरुषस्य प्रवर्तनम् (ārambho hi prathamaḥ padārthaḥ syāt | prathamaṃ vā puruṣasya pravartanam) | (= prathamapravartana- mārambhaḥ audāsīnyād vyāvṛttiḥ puruṣasya vyāpṛtatā) ŚB. on MS. 1.14.

Derivable forms: ārambhaḥ (आरम्भः).

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