Formless: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Formless 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
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch(That which is) Formless can denoted by the Sanskrit terms Amūrta and Arūpaka, according to the Muṇḍakopaniṣad 2.1.2-3:.—Accordingly, while describing Brahma and the mind: “For, the [cosmic] man is divine, formless (amūrta), outside and inside [of everything], unborn, breathless, mindless, radiant and higher than the highest imperishable one”.
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).
Vedanta (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): (Advaita Vedanta)(That which is) Formless is denoted by the Sanskrit term Arūpaka (as opposed to Rūpaka), according to the Māṇḍūkyopaniṣatkārikā 3.35cd-36.—Accordingly, while discussing Brahma (without attributes): “That very [mind, free of thought and restrained,] is fearless Brahma, [which is] the light of gnosis [pervading] everywhere. [It is] unborn, devoid of sleep and dreaming, unnamed, formless (arūpaka), manifested [all] at once and omniscient. [This statement] is not figurative in any way”.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Formlessness Realm.
Full-text (+386): Amurta, Arupa, Nirakara, Arupi, Arupa-loka, Nirakriti, Arupyadhatu, Anakara, Arupabhava, Arup, Aruppa, Arupakayika, Nishkala, Arupaka, Nirupa, Arupavacara, Arupyasamapatti, Akashanantyayatana, Upapatti, Unborn.
Relevant text
Search found 188 books and stories containing Formless; (plurals include: Formlesses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Mandukya Upanishad (by Kenneth Jaques)
What Kamma is (by Sayadaw U Thittila)
Kamma 4 - Plane Of The Formless < [Part 3 - Classification Of Kamma]
Kamma 2 - World Of Desires < [Part 3 - Classification Of Kamma]
Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation) (by N. Veerappan)
God and Individual Self < [Chapter 4 - Concept of God]
Carya, Kriya,Yoga and Jnana < [Chapter 6 - Means to Release]
Seven-fold effects of innate impurity < [Chapter 2 - Bondage]
A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada (by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw)
Chapter 13 - The Fame Of The Buddha < [Part 10]
Chapter 14 - Story Of Subrahma Deva < [Part 8]
Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary) (by Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyana Gosvāmī Mahārāja)
Verse 2.3.39 < [Chapter 3 - Bhajana (loving service)]
Verse 2.2.227 < [Chapter 2 - Jñāna (knowledge)]
Verse 2.2.180 < [Chapter 2 - Jñāna (knowledge)]
The Great Chariot (by Longchenpa)
Part 1b.1i - How to comprehend the mind of the four formless dhyanas < [B. The extensive explanation of the nature of karma]
Part 1b.1h - How the four formless skandhas of name depend on the continuum of mind < [B. The extensive explanation of the nature of karma]
Part 1b.1e - What predominates in the three chief realms < [B. The extensive explanation of the nature of karma]
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