Karika, aka: Kārikā, Karikā; 11 Definition(s)

Introduction

Karika means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. 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

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Kārikā (कारिका, “memorial verse”).—When a rule (lit. meaning) is explained (lit. uttered) briefly in a with a minimum (lit. small) number of words, it is called the Memorial Verse (kārikā) which shows the meaning of the rule clearly.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., 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) and poetic works (kavya).

Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)

Kārikā (कारिका).—A verse or a line or lines in metrical form giving the gist of the explanation of a topic; cf. संक्षिप्तसूत्रबह्वर्थसूचकः श्लोकः कारिका (saṃkṣiptasūtrabahvarthasūcakaḥ ślokaḥ kārikā) Padavyavasthāsūtrakārikā of Udayakīrti.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

A grammatical work in Pall, written by the Elder Dhammasenapati at the Ananda vihara in Pagan. A tika on the work is ascribed to the same author. Gv. p.63, 73; Bode, op. cit., 16 and n.1.

General definition (in Buddhism)

The Karika is a verse commentary on the Upanishad. It falls into four sections:

1. Agama Prakarana
2. Illusion
3. Advaita
4. Extinguishing the torch.

1. The first section is a brief systematic exposition of the Upanishadic text, following its distinction of the four states of consciousness. Several of the most important Indian commentators treat the 29 slokas (verses) of the Agama Prakarana as part of the scriptural text of Mandukya Upanishad..

2. The second section moves beyond the text of the Upanishad to establish the unreality of the things experienced in dreams and, by analogy, the things experienced in the waking state. 

3. The Advaita section of the Karika presents a clear, positive statement of the Non-Dualist position: Atman/Brahman alone is real, all else is illusion. Gaudapada teaches the AJATA doctrine: the doctrine of NO-BECOMING.

4. The fourth section of the Karika expounds the means of removing the illusion of duality. Essentially this is the ASPARSHA YOGA mentioned in section three.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

kārikā : (f.) a commentary.

Kārikā, see kāraka. (Page 210)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

kārikā (कारिका).—f S An expository stanza.

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kārīka (कारीक).—a R (kāra) Prepared or wrought with manure.

kārikā (कारिका).—f An expository stanza.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Karikā (करिका).—Scratching, a wound caused by a fingernail. 'दिग्दष्टे वर्तुलाकारे करिका नखरेखिका (digdaṣṭe vartulākāre karikā nakharekhikā)' इति वैजयन्ती (iti vaijayantī); Śi.4.29.

--- OR ---

Kārikā (कारिका).—

1) A female dancer.

2) A business, or trade

3) A memorial verse, or a collection of such verses, on grammatical, philosophical, or scientific subjects, e. g. Bhattojī Dīkṣita's Kārikās on grammar; called वैयाकरणसिद्धान्तकारिका (vaiyākaraṇasiddhāntakārikā); सांख्यकारिका (sāṃkhyakārikā).

4) Torment, torture.

5) Interest.

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