Ascetic: 3 definitions

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In Hinduism
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Introduction:

Ascetic means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.

Images (photo gallery)

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In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

Ascetics and various other characters (in Indian Dramas) were commonly mustached and bearded, as conveyed through the Aṅgaracanā division of Āhāryābhinaya: one of the four divisions of Abhinaya or “ways to convey or represent one’s emotion to others”, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra and the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The Nāṭyaśāstra says that after painting the face and other limbs the characters are provided with beard according to their territory, profession and spiritual rites. According to Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the kings, ascetics, ministers, priests, judges, lovers etc. should be mustached and bearded and the colour of their beard should be white except those of the kings and lovers. All these are the important points in a theatrical performance to project the concerned character in a clear and conspicuous way.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) 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).

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

Ascetic people are associated withe the Sentiment of Quietism (śānta), which refers to one of the Nine Sentiments (citrarasa) in ancient Indian Painting (citra), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The śāntarasa is depicted through the picture of the ascetic people sitting in Yogic posture or meditation. [...] Thus, painting is a medium of showing the inner feelings and emotions of a painter which can strikes the inherent sentiments of connoisseur’s mind, for example: ascetic people in the sentiment of quietism.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Ascetics are denoted by the Sanskrit term Śramaṇa, according to the Dattātreyayogaśāstra 41-42.—Accordingly, “Whether a Brahmin, an ascetic (Śramaṇa), a Buddhist, a Jain, a Skull-Bearer or a materialist, the wise man who is endowed with faith and constantly devoted to the practice of [haṭha] yoga will attain complete success”.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Relevant text

Search found 420 books and stories containing Ascetic, Ascetics, The ascetic; (plurals include: Ascetics, Asceticses, The ascetics). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 8 - The Story Of Korakhattiya < [Part 7]

Chapter 7 - Silabbatupadana < [Part 7]

Chapter 3 - Summary < [Part 4]

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Chapter 11 - Rama visits the different Retreats and hears of Agastya < [Book 3 - Aranya-kanda]

Chapter 103 - Death is sent to seek out Rama < [Book 7 - Uttara-kanda]

Chapter 37 - Shri Sita still desires to enter the forest < [Book 2 - Ayodhya-kanda]

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Part 5.1 - Practice of ascetics < [Chapter 5 - Humour and satire in the four Bhāṇas of the Caturbhāṇī]

Part 5.2 - Cārvāka Philosophy in ancient India < [Chapter 4 - Critical assessment of the Society as depicted in the Caturbhāṇī]

Part 3.4 - Violation of instructional approaches < [Chapter 5 - Humour and satire in the four Bhāṇas of the Caturbhāṇī]

+ 1 more chapters / show preview