Bahyakriya, Bāhyakriyā, Bahya-kriya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Bahyakriya 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.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Bahyakriya in Shaivism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Bāhyakriyā (बाह्यक्रिया) refers to “outer action”, according to the Tantrasadbhāva (verse 6.218): an important Trika Tantra and a major authority for Kashmiri Trika Śaivites.—Accordingly, “Doing (kriyā) is what gives people results; knowledge does not produce results, just as a man knowledgable in the sexual enjoyment of women is not happy without doing it (kriyā). But doing should be understood as twofold: it is held to be outer and inner. Inner action is through yogic meditation, while outer action [i.e., bāhyakriyākriyā tu dvividhā jñeyā bāhyā adhyātmikā smṛtā] is through worship, ascetic observances, etc. [...]”.

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context information

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.

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