Avalokana: 18 definitions
Introduction:
Avalokana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, 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
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramAvalokana (अवलोकन) refers to “perception” (e.g., the expansion of emanation [?]), according to the Ciñcinīmatasārasamuccaya verse 4.24-27.—Accordingly, “Next I will explain something else, namely, Śākta, Śāmbhava and Āṇava. O mistress of the god of the gods, (I will explain) the characteristic feature (of each) which, O beloved, is the great dawning of knowledge. The group of five energies is considered to be will, knowledge, action, supreme Kuṇḍalinī and Mātṛkā, which is the fifth. (The characterizing feature) of the will is (that from it) originates the expansion (of emanation). Knowledge is the perception (of it) [i.e., avalokana] there. (The energy of) action (functions) in what should be done and what should not. Kuṇḍalinī is the awakening of the Self. Mātṛkā measures out (mīyate) the universe. The characteristic feature of power is (thus) fivefold”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by VarahamihiraAvalokana (अवलोकन) refers to a “planetary look” (at eclipsed disc), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 5), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “If there should be both lunar and solar eclipses in one month, princes will suffer both from dissensions among their own army and from wars. [...] These evil effects, resulting from planetary look [i.e., avalokana] at eclipsed disc, apply as well to the time of termination of the eclipse as to its commencement. If Jupiter, a beneficent planet, should also see the eclipsed disc, the evils described will vanish in just the same way as the flame of fire dies out when water is poured over it”.
Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraAvalokana (अवलोकन) refers to “visualizing” (the paths), according to the Netratantroddyota commentary on the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 4.3cd-4ab]—“[...] This means, he should contemplate each of these paths [that has to be purified]. After [he] makes it the principle [path of worship he becomes the] pervader, [i.e., that which permeates the others] with the form of [potential or manifest] explicitness in the remaining five paths. Included within [the path], as it has spread (vyāpya), is the form of potential. As has been said in the Svacchanda-tantra, ‘[he should] visualize (avalokana) the adhvans as pervaded by [the others and the others] pervaded by it’”.
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchAvalokana (अवलोकन) refers to “one who can see” (the world of Brahma), according to verse 3-52 of the Śivasaṃhitā.—Accordingly, “A man who dwells in the subterranean realms can see (avalokana) [up to] the world of Brahma. [This] power called Prāpti is very difficult to attain for those who are not Yogins”.
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).
Sports, Arts and Entertainment (wordly enjoyments)
Source: archive.org: Syainika Sastra of Rudradeva with English Translation (art)Avalokana (अवलोकन) refers to the “sight” (of a hawk), according to the Śyainika-śāstra: a Sanskrit treatise dealing with the divisions and benefits of Hunting and Hawking, written by Rājā Rudradeva (or Candradeva) in possibly the 13th century.—Accordingly, [while discussing the training of hawks]: “[...] Whether it is ‘manned’ or not is to be known by its actions. When it stands on one leg with the eyes closed, when it preens or ‘reforms’ its feathers, when it ‘mantles’ with its wings, or looks (avalokana) with a gentle eye at its master [āsyāvalokane saumyāṃ dṛṣṭiṃ saṃcārayanti ca], ther it is known to be ‘manned’, otherwise not. When the hawk is seen to be manned it should be lured in a creance to a piece of meat from increasing distances. [...]”.
This section covers the skills and profiencies of the Kalas (“performing arts”) and Shastras (“sciences”) involving ancient Indian traditions of sports, games, arts, entertainment, love-making and other means of wordly enjoyments. Traditionally these topics were dealt with in Sanskrit treatises explaing the philosophy and the justification of enjoying the pleasures of the senses.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: Sum Jaina Canonical Sutras (vividhatirthakalpa)Avalokana (अवलोकन).—At the sight of the peak called Avalokana sanctified by the lotus-like feet of Śrī Nemi, one’s desires are satiated. On its summit, Śāmba (son of Jāmbavatī), Pradyumna and Mahādyumna practised great religious austerities.
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.
India history and geography
Source: OpenEdition books: Vividhatīrthakalpaḥ (History)Avalokana (अवलोकन) is the name of a Girnar peak, as is mentioned in the Vividhatīrthakalpa by Jinaprabhasūri (13th century A.D.): an ancient text devoted to various Jaina holy places (tīrthas).
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionaryavalōkana (अवलोकन).—n (S) Looking, contemplating, beholding: also seeing.
Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryAvalokana (अवलोकन).—
1) Looking at, beholding, seeing; नो बभूवुरवलोकनक्षमाः (no babhūvuravalokanakṣamāḥ) R.11.6.
2) Looking over, commanding a view of; दीर्घिकावलोकनगवाक्षगता (dīrghikāvalokanagavākṣagatā) M.1.
3) Sight, eye.
4) A look, glance; योगनिद्रान्तविशदैः पावनैरवलोकनः (yoganidrāntaviśadaiḥ pāvanairavalokanaḥ) R.1.14.
5) Looking out for, inquiry, seeking.
Derivable forms: avalokanam (अवलोकनम्).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryAvalokana (अवलोकन).—n.
(-naṃ) Sight, seeing. E. ava, lokṛ to see, lyuṭ aff.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryAvalokana (अवलोकन).—[ava-lok + ana], n. 1. Sight. 2. Observation. 3. A glance, [Raghuvaṃśa, (ed. Stenzler.)] 10, 14.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Avalokana (अवलोकन):—[=ava-lokana] [from ava-lok] n. seeing, beholding, viewing, observing, [Raghuvaṃśa xi, 60, etc.]
2) [v.s. ...] a look, glance, [Raghuvaṃśa x, 14, etc.]
3) [v.s. ...] ‘looking like’, appearance of (in [compound]), [Bhāgavata-purāṇa]
4) [v.s. ...] (ā). the aspect (of planets), [Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryAvalokana (अवलोकन):—[ava-lokana] (naṃ) 1. n. Sight.
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Avalokana (अवलोकन) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Avaloyaṇa, Oloyaṇa, Oloyaṇā.
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusAvalōkana (ಅವಲೋಕನ):—
1) [noun] a thorough looking.
2) [noun] an inquisitive examination; a critical analysis.
3) [noun] the sense of sight; vision.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Nepali dictionary
Source: unoes: Nepali-English DictionaryAvalokana (अवलोकन):—n. view; inspection; observation; scrutiny; scanning; examination;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Avalokanagriha, Avalokanaka, Avalokanartha, Avalokanasutra.
Ends with (+4): Amtaravalokana, Anavalokana, Brahmalokavalokana, Candravalokana, Dashadigvyavalokana, Duravalokana, Dvaravalokana, Karunavalokana, Karunyavalokana, Kavyavalokana, Kripavalokana, Lokavalokana, Paryavalokana, Punaravalokana, Purvavalokana, Samantasthulavalokana, Samantavyuhasagaracaryavyavalokana, Sarvalokadhatuvyavalokana, Sarvatathagatavyavalokana, Simhavalokana.
Full-text: Oloyana, Avalokanem, Vyavalokana, Avaloka, Avaloyana, Avalokanasutra, Nirupana, Simhavalokana, Mahatarika, Kailasa, Arbuda, Samrajyalakshmipithika, Kamala, Darshana, Avalokita, Mahendra, Konkana, Barbara, Darsha.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Avalokana, Avalōkana, Ava-lokana, Avalokanā; (plurals include: Avalokanas, Avalōkanas, lokanas, Avalokanās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Cidgaganacandrika (study) (by S. Mahalakshmi)
Verse 192 [Reflection of Self as in the mirror is Sṛṣṭi] < [Chapter 4 - Fourth Vimarśa]
The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
Foreword to the second volume < [Volume II]
Chapter XXVIII - The first Avalokita-sūtra < [Volume II]
Chapter XXX - The second Avalokita-sūtra < [Volume II]
Vastu-shastra (3): House Architecture (by D. N. Shukla)