Bhoktri, Bhoktṛ: 17 definitions
Introduction:
Bhoktri means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India. 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.
The Sanskrit term Bhoktṛ can be transliterated into English as Bhoktr or Bhoktri, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) refers to the “enjoyment” (in tantric rituals), according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—[...] The symbolism and dynamic interaction of the polarities is similarly represented by the Śaiva Siddhānta in relation to the outer Liṅga. In that context also, the energies of the Liṅga are believed to emerge from it and, deployed around it, unite with it. These the Śaiva Siddhānta conceives to be the ‘limbs of enjoyment’ [i.e., bhogāṅga] of Sadāśiva. He is represented by the Liṅga in the centre of these limbs of which he is the ‘enjoyer’ (bhoktṛ). Here too the analogy is sexual. The Śaiva Siddhānta views the process of manifestation and ‘enjoyment’ from a strongly dominant male perspective.
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) refers to an “enjoyer” (i.e., one who enjoys), according to the 17th century Kaulagajamardana (“crushing the Kaula elephant”) authored by Kāśīnātha or Kṛṣṇānandācala.—Accordingly, [as Īśvara said to Pārvatī]: “[...] O great Goddess, hear about the Jain. He always carries a pitcher. He is simply a soul and never an enjoyer (bhoktṛ), doer and destroyer. He is called a Jain, and Buddhists and [the like] are considered [to be similar]. Some pluck out their hair and dress in white, my dear, and [some] wear red garments and [others wear] indigo and so on. Some are called, 'great guru', and others pursue nonviolence. These are the different varieties in brief; they are [all] called Pāṣaṇḍas [because] they have been excluded from the vedic path. [...]”
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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) or Bhoktṛtva refers to “(being) the agent of experience”, 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 4.5cd-6, while describing the purification process of the initiand]—“[...] Once he has performed the saṃskāra [called] separation, whose nature is the absence of being the agent of experience (bhoktṛtva-abhāvarūpa), once all bhogas have been completed]. Then, as proclaimed by tradition, [he should] cut the bonds with the astramantra. [...]”.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) or Bhoktṛśakti refers to “(Viṣṇu’s power of) enjoyment ”, as discussed in the seventh chapter of the Īśvarasaṃhitā (printed edition), a Pāñcarātra work in 8200 verses and 24 chapters dealing with topics such as routines of temple worship, major and minor festivals, temple-building and initiation.—Description of the chapter [lakṣmī-sudarśana-arcana-vidhi]: Lakṣmī and Bhū are both aspects of Viṣṇu’s two-fold power on earth the former His power of enjoyment [bhoktṛ-śakti], the latter His power of nourishment [puṣṭiśakti, kartṛśakti] (1-6). Lakṣmī takes on three forms [rūpatraya]—“yogalakṣmī” within the mole of Viṣṇu’s chest, “bhogalakṣmī” by His side and “vīralakṣmī” as she is seen as a separate icon in her own shrine. [...]
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Vedanta (school of philosophy)
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) refers to the “reaper” (of the consequences), according to the Aṣṭāvakragītā (5th century BC), an ancient text on spirituality dealing with Advaita-Vedānta topics.—Accordingly, [as Aṣṭavakra says to Janaka]: “[...] For liberation know yourself as consisting of consciousness, the witness of these [five elements]. [...] You are unattached and formless, the witness of everything—so be happy. Righteousness and unrighteousness, pleasure and pain are purely of the mind and are no concern of yours. You are neither the doer nor the reaper of the consequences (bhoktṛ), so you are always free [na kartā'si na bhoktā'si mukta evā'si sarvadā]. You are the one witness of everything, and are always totally free. The cause of your bondage is that you see the witness as something other than this. [...]”.
Vedanta (वेदान्त, vedānta) refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).
Shaiva philosophy
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) refers to “that which experiences” (representing one of the Tattvatraya—three main entities), according to Bhaṭṭa Rāmakaṇṭha’s 10th-century Tattvatrayanirṇayavivṛti—a commentary on the 7th-century Tattvatrayanirṇaya by Sadyojyoti which discusses philosophical aspects of Śiva including the theories of Puruṣas (souls), Māyā (primal matter) and Mala (the innate impurity afflicting souls).—Accordingly, [commentary before first verse]: “Although the settled view of the thirty-six principles according to this system has certainly been enunciated in such works as the Tattvasaṅgraha, [our author] now [pays] obeisance to the Supreme Lord in order to obviate obstacles so as to be able to teach here a further treatise that is intended to settle the nature of three main entities (tattvatraya), namely that which experiences (bhoktṛ), that which is experienced (bhogya) and that which enables experience (bhogadātṛ)—[a nature] that may be defined by what they do and do not have in common, both with each other and with the other principles”.
Shaiva philosophy is a spritiual tradition within Hinduism that includes theories such as the relationship between the Atman (individual soul) and Siva, the nature of liberation (moksha), and the concepts of maya (illusion) and shakti (divine energy). Saiva philosophy teaches that union with Shiva can be achieved through knowledge, devotion, and spiritual practice. It encompasses major branches like Shaiva Siddhanta and Kashmir Shaivism.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) refers to “one who who feeds”, according Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XLVI).—There are also Pretas who emit fire from their mouth (ulkāmukha): flying butterflies throw themselves into this fire, and the Pretas eat them. There are also Pretas who eat excrement (gūtha), spit (śleṣman), pus and blood (pūyaśoṇita), the water from laundry, who feed on oblations (śraddha-bhoktṛ) or who devour the afterbirth (garbhamalāhāra). There are all kinds of starving Pretas of this kind.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) 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 sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) refers to the “experiencer”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “Having avoided [their results], those sins, on account of which action that results in hell, etc. is done by you, rightly still reach you [com.—not another (anyaṃ) experiencer (bhoktāram)]”.
Synonyms: Bhogin.
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
Bhoktṛ.—(Ep. Ind., Vol. XXXIII, p. 193), same as Bhogin, Bhogika; an Ināmdār or Jāgīrdar; cf. Sammāṇaka-bhoktā; also Bhoktāri (EI 11), a free-holder. (BL), a proprietor. Note: bhoktṛ is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
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
Sanskrit dictionary
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ).—a. [bhuj tṛc]
1) One who enjoys or eats.
2) Possessing.
3) Enjoying or making use of.
4) Feeling, enduring, experiencing.
5) Protecting, ruling, governing. -m.
1) A possessor, enjoyer, user; पुरुषोऽस्ति भोक्तृ- भावात् कैवल्यार्थप्रवृत्तेश्च (puruṣo'sti bhoktṛ- bhāvāt kaivalyārthapravṛtteśca) Sāṃkhyakārikā 17.
2) A husband.
3) A king, ruler.
4) A lover.
5) An epithet of Viṣṇu.
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ).—mfn. (-ktā-ktī-ktṛ) 1. Enjoying, an enjoyer. 2. An eater. m.
(-ktā) 1. A husband. 2. A lover. 3. A possessor. 4. A king. E. bhuj to enjoy, &c., aff. tṛc .
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ).—i. e. 2. bhuj + tṛ, I. m., f. trī, and n. One who eats, [Hitopadeśa] i. [distich] 53, M. M.; or enjoys, [Śākuntala, (ed. Böhtlingk.)] [distich] 43; [Vedāntasāra, (in my Chrestomathy.)] in
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ).—[masculine] ktrī [feminine] enjoyer, possessor; [abstract] ktṛtva [neuter]
1) Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ):—[from bhuj] m. (f(trī) ) one who enjoys or eats, enjoyer, eater, experiencer, feeler, sufferer, [Maitrī-upaniṣad; Mahābhārata] etc. (also as [future] of √3. bhuj, [Rāmāyaṇa])
2) [v.s. ...] a possessor, ruler of a land, king, prince, [Inscriptions]
3) [v.s. ...] a husband, lover, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ):—(ktā) 4. m. A husband. a. Eating, enjoying, possessing.
Bhoktṛ (भोक्तृ) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Bhuṃjira, Bhuttu, Bhottū.
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
Bhōktṛ (ಭೋಕ್ತೃ):—
1) [noun] an enjoyer of something.
2) [noun] a king; a ruler.
3) [noun] a man who is loved by a woman; a lover.
4) [noun] a man who is indulged in sensual pleasure.
5) [noun] (phil.) a being that is not yet enlightened about the absolute delightfulness.
6) [noun] (Dvaita phil.) Viṣṇu.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Bhoktrishakti, Bhoktritva.
Full-text (+25): Bhoktritva, Abhoktri, Paribhoktri, Pratarbhoktri, Upabhoktri, Shraddhabhoktri, Gunabhoktri, Bhoktrishakti, Yajnabhoktri, Hutabhoktri, Ucchishtabhoktri, Sambhoktri, Bahubhoktri, Apokta, Phalabhoktri, Bhuttu, Abhojita, Bhottu, Abhoktavya, Bhumjira.
Relevant text
Search found 25 books and stories containing Bhoktri, Bhoktṛ, Bhōktṛ; (plurals include: Bhoktris, Bhoktṛs, Bhōktṛs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali (by Ganganatha Jha)
Text 91 < [Chapter 6a - On Qualities]
Bhagavad-gita (with Vaishnava commentaries) (by Narayana Gosvami)
Verse 13.15 < [Chapter 13 - Prakṛti-puruṣa-vibhāga-yoga]
Krishna Sandarbha of Jiva Goswami (by Kusakratha Prabhu)
Verse 139.2 < [Anuccheda 139]
Brahma Sutras (Nimbarka commentary) (by Roma Bose)
Brahma-Sūtra 1.1.32 < [Adhikaraṇa 11 - Sūtras 29-32]
Yavanajataka by Sphujidhvaja [Sanskrit/English] (by Michael D Neely)
Verse 7.4 < [Chapter 7 - Planets in Exaltation Mūlatrikoṇa]
Verse 10.4 < [Chapter 10 - The Application of the Yogas of the Moon]
Brihat Jataka by Varahamihira [Sanskrit/English] (by Michael D Neely)
Verse 21.7 < [Chapter 21 - Support Yogas]
Verse 17.12 < [Chapter 17 - Disposition of the Zodiac Signs Containing the Moon]
Verse 18.19 < [Chapter 18 - Disposition of the Zodiac Signs]