In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Karastha (करस्थ) refers to “holding a particular item in one’s hand”, according to the Guhyasūtra chapter 3.—Accordingly, “[...] [If] one wanders in the cremation-ground at night, with a skull in one’s hand (karastha) and a khaṭvāṅga, covered in ashes, that is called the cremation-ground observance. If one dances, sings, laughs and talks madly, with the body smeared in ashes and wearing rags, this is called the Gaṇavrata. One performs the Clod-of-Earth Observance by being engaged in recitation, feeding on alms, sleeping on the earth, with senses controlled, engaged in meditation and restraint. [...]”.

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.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Kārāstha (कारास्थ) refers to a “prisoner”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 48).—Accordingly, “[Question].—[Emptiness of beings (sattvaśūnyatā) and emptiness of dharmas] are two ways of teaching inner and outer emptiness. Which one is true? [Answer].—Both are true. For disciples of little knowledge and weak faculties, only the emptiness of beings is first taught, and for beings of great knowledge and keen faculties, the emptiness of dharmas is taught. [The Hīnayānist Śrāvaka] is like a prisoner (kārāstha) who breaks his bonds (bandhana), kills the prison guard (kārādhyakṣa) and can leave at will; [the Mahāyānist is like this other one] who, out of fear of brigands (caura), makes a hole in the wall and escapes (niḥsaraṇa)”.

context information

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Karastha (करस्थ).—[adjective] being in or on the hand.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Karastha (करस्थ):—[=kara-stha] [from kara] mfn. lying in the hand, [Naiṣadha-carita]

2) Kārāstha (कारास्थ):—[=kārā-stha] [from kārā] mfn. imprisoned, [Kathāsaritsāgara]

[Sanskrit to German]

Karastha in German

context information

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Stha, Kara.

Starts with: Kara-stampavatam, Karasthala, Karasthalin, Karasthana, Karasthani, Karasthapana.

Ends with: Adhikarastha, Prakarastha.

Full-text: Kara, Adhyaksha, Karadhyaksha.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Karastha, Kara-stha, Kārāstha, Kārā-stha; (plurals include: Karasthas, sthas, Kārāsthas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

Emptiness 1-3: Inner, Outer and both Inner and Outer < [Chapter XLVIII - The Eighteen Emptinesses]

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