Kshetrarya, Kṣetrārya, Kshetra-arya: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Kshetrarya means something in 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.

The Sanskrit term Kṣetrārya can be transliterated into English as Ksetrarya or Kshetrarya, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Kshetrarya in Jainism glossary
Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Kṣetrārya (क्षेत्रार्य) refers to a sub-division of the Ārya classification of men born in Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.3 [ajitanātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra (“lives of the 63 illustrious persons”): a Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three important persons in Jainism.

Accordingly:—“In these 35 zones on this side of Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, men arise by birth; [...]. From the division into Āryas and Mlecchas they are two-fold. The Āryas have sub-divisions: kṣetra (country), jāti (caste), kula (family), karma (work), śilpa (craft), and bhāṣā (language). [...] The kṣetrāryas are born in the 15 Karmabhumis. Here in Bharata they have 25½ places of origin (i.e., the Ārya-countries), distinguishable by cities in which the birth of Tīrthakṛts, Cakrabhṛts, Kṛṣṇas, and Balas takes place”.

Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 3: The Lower and middle worlds

Kṣetrārya (क्षेत्रार्य) refers to “civilized people with place-lineage” and represents one of the five classes of āryas without extraordinary powers (ṛddhi). These Ārya (civilized people) represent one of the two classes of human beings, according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 3.46. Who are called civilized persons with place-lineage (kṣetra-ārya)? The persons born in auspicious places like Kashi, Kaushal etc are called civilized persons with place-lineage (kṣetra-ārya).

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context information

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.

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