Curse, Cursing, Cursed: 6 definitions
Introduction:
Curse means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity. 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.
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In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Curses (as opposed to Favours) are denoted by the Sanskrit term Śāpa, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] [Now], I shall define the nature of that highest, mind-free absorption which arises for those devoted to constant practice. [...] By means of an absorption for nine nights, [the Yogin] who abides in his own undivided self has the Siddhi of speech, which can effect a favour or curse (śāpa). [...]”.
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).
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Curses are denoted by the Sanskrit term Abhiśāpa, and should be avoided on a stage (where a dramatic play is performed).—A Nāṭaka should contain pañcasandhis which indicate five successive stages of the drama. This criterion also is present in the Mudrārākṣasa. [...] In the Sāhityadarpaṇa, Viśvanātha gives a list of certain actions which should not be presented on the stage. These are [e.g., Abhiśāpa (curse)] [...].
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).
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Curses are denoted by the Sanskrit term Nigraha, according to verse 14.24bd-27 of the Laghuśaṃvara, an ancient Buddhist Yoginī Tantra.—Accordingly: “The Sādhaka [who has] the Siddhi of speech can certainly attract a king or queen by [merely] thinking [it]. He quickly controls gods, demons and men. When angry, he can kill with his speech and drive away his adversary. The practitioner can thus effect a curse (nigraha) with his speech [...]”.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches (+0): The, The, Curse, Te.
Starts with (+0): Curse of india, Cursed buttercup, Cursed crowsfoot, Cursed shade, Cursed thistle.
Full-text (+1917): Capa, Abhisapa, Sapita, Sapta, Abhisapana, Sapatha, Shapagrasta, Abhishapta, Brahmadanda, Pratishapa, Shapoddhara, Abhisanga, Sapana, Shapamukta, Shapanta, Abhisatta, Abhisapati, Shap, Abhishap, Shapambu.
Relevant text
Search found 379 books and stories containing Curse, Cursed, Curses, Cursing, The curse; (plurals include: Curses, Curseds, Curseses, Cursings, The curses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Constellation of Agents < [Volume 14, Issue 3 (2023)]
Women’s Voice and Religious Utterances in Ancient Greece < [Volume 2, Issue 4 (2011)]
Blessing Precedes Cursing: Philosophical Reading of Genesis 3:16 < [Volume 15, Issue 9 (2024)]
Gautami Mahatmya (by G. P. Bhatt)
Chapter 82 - Nandītaṭa and other Holy Centres
Chapter 76 - Yāyātatīrtha and other Holy Centres
Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 53 - Greatness of Bhrūṇagartā < [Section 1 - Tīrtha-māhātmya]
Chapter 28 - Dharmadatta Attains Salvation < [Section 4 - Kārttikamāsa-māhātmya]
Chapter 258 - Hara is Cursed < [Section 1 - Tīrtha-māhātmya]
Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)
Chapter 7 - On the curses of Gaṅgā, Sarasvatī and Lakṣmī < [Book 9]
Chapter 10 - On the curse on Viṣṇu by Bhṛgu < [Book 4]
Chapter 12 - On the cause of the war between Ādi and Baka < [Book 6]
Brahma Purana (critical study) (by Surabhi H. Trivedi)
25. Woman as Mother < [Marriage, Family and Position of Women]
Chapters 1-25 < [A summary of the Contents of Brahma-Purana]
Chapters 126-150 < [A summary of the Contents of Brahma-Purana]