Kriyakarana, Kriyākaraṇa, Kriya-karana: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Kriyakarana 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

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Kriyakarana in Shaivism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (philosophy)

Kriyākaraṇa (क्रियाकरण) refers to an “instrument of action”, according to the Īśvarapratyabhijñāvivṛtivimarśinī 2.132.—Accordingly, “[The passage] ‘inasmuch as they are [somehow] manifest in the concept [representing them’ means the following]. The ‘sense organ,’ [apprehended as] a generality [by conceptual thought, i.e.,] as the instrument of the action of perceiving (upalabdhi-kriyākaraṇa), [...]—[all these] must belong to the realm of phenomena; otherwise such [things] as the fact that [they] can be desired, the search for the realization of this [desire], their determination [as having] this [particular] form and place, the practice in accordance with [this determination], etc., would [all] be impossible”.

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Kriyākaraṇa (क्रियाकरण) refers to “performing action”, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 21.2-5]—“O Deva, if [mantras] consist of the nature of Śiva, [which is] ubiquitous, formless, and [if he] does not perform action (kriyākaraṇa-hīnatva), how can [mantras] be agents of action? And how do they create a state [in which one] performs them [when they are] formless? Who does [that performance] without an individual body? Speak, O Lord. [...]”.

Shaivism book cover
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.

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