Dharmaphala, Dharma-phala: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Dharmaphala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit. 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
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by VarahamihiraDharmaphala (धर्मफल) refers to “one who becomes virtuous (as a result of something)”, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 12), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “[...] I will now speak of the rules of the arghya (offering) to be presented to Agastya as stated by the Ṛṣis. [...] The offering to be made by princes in honour of Agastya shall consist of the fragrant flowers of the season, of fruits, of precious stones, of gold cloths, of cows, of bulls, of well-cooked rice, of sweet-meats, of curdled milk, of coloured rice, of perfumed smoke and fragrant paste. [...] A Brāhmaṇa making this offering to the extent of his ability will become learned in the Vedas and will be blessed with a wife and children; a Vaiśya doing the same will get cows; and a Śūdra doing it will get wealth, and all the four will be freed from disease and become virtuous [i.e., dharmaphala]”.
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: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric TraditionsDharmaphala (धर्मफल) refers to the “fruits of the (Śaiva) religion”, according to the Mṛgendrāgama Kriyāpāda verse 8.6-7.—Accordingly, “The śivadharmiṇī [initiation] is the root of success for the fruits of the Śaiva religion (śiva-dharmaphala-śrī) for the individual soul. There is another [kind of śivadharmiṇī] taught without the destruction of the body, up until the dissolution of the world. The remaining one is taught to be the lokadharmiṇī, for the purpose of [attaining the eight-fold supernatural powers] starting with aṇimā after the current life, after all the bad portions [of karma] were destroyed at all reality levels”.
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.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationDharmaphala (धर्मफल) refers to the “fruit of virtue”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.54 (“Description of the duties of the chaste wife”).—Accordingly, as a Brahmin lady said to Pārvatī: “[...] Wife is the root of the household, and of its happiness; she is the source of the fruit of virtue (dharmaphala) and for the flourishing of the family. In every house there are women proud of their exquisite beauty and comely appearance. But it is only due to the devotion of Śiva that a chaste lady is obtained. [...]”.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve ReflectionsDharmaphala (धर्मफल) refers to the “fruit of the doctrine”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “[com.—Next he speaks about the fruit (phalam) of the doctrine (dharmasya)]—The doctrine bestows upon embodied souls prosperity which is desired by Indra and the lords of men and snakes, and is to be revered in the three worlds. The doctrine protects all [beings] that are mobile and immobile with regard to the occurrence of misfortune. It also comforts [them] completely with a stream of the liquid ambrosia of happiness”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Dharmaphala, Dharma-phala; (plurals include: Dharmaphalas, phalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha) (by Samuel Beal)
Lives of Buddha (5): Cung-pen-k’i-king < [Introduction]
Lives of Buddha (2): Siu-hing-pen-k’i-king < [Introduction]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Appendix 2 - A Buddhist view on the land of India < [Chapter XL - The Four Fearlessnesses and the Four Unobstructed Knowledges]
Shrimad Bhagavad-gita (by Narayana Gosvami)
Verse 9.2 < [Chapter 9 - Rāja-guhya-yoga (Yoga through the most Confidential Knowledge)]
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 3 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 15 - God in the Rāmānuja School < [Chapter XX - Philosophy of the Rāmānuja School of Thought]