Kushala, Kusala, Kuśala, Kuṣala: 45 definitions
Introduction:
Kushala means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi. 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 terms Kuśala and Kuṣala can be transliterated into English as Kusala or Kushala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
Alternative spellings of this word include Kushal.
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstraKuśala (कुशल) is the Sanskrit name of one of Bharata’s sons, mentioned in the Nāṭyaśāstra 1.26-33. After Brahmā created the Nāṭyaveda (nāṭyaśāstra), he ordered Bharata to teach the science to his (one hundred) sons. Bharata thus learned the Nāṭyaveda from Brahmā, and then made his sons study and learn its proper application. After their study, Bharata assigned his sons (eg., Kuśala) various roles suitable to them.
Source: archive.org: The mirror of gesture (abhinaya-darpana)Kuśala is one of the saṃyutta-hastāni (Twenty-seven combined Hands).
Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—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), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Wisdom Library: Varāha-purāṇa1) Kuśala (कुशल).—One of the seven sons of Dyutimān, who was a son of Priyavrata, according to the Varāhapurāṇa chapter 74.
2) Kuśala (कुशल).—One of the seven regions situated in Krauñcadvīpa, according to the Varāhapurāṇa chapter 88. It is also known by the name Mādhava. Krauñcadvīpa is one of the seven islands (dvīpa), ruled over by Jyotiṣmān, one of the ten sons of Priyavrata.
3) Kuśala (कुशल).—One of the seven major mountains in Śālmalidvīpa, according to the Varāhapurāṇa chapter 89. These mountains are big, yellow in colour and filled with gold. Śālmalidvīpa is one of the seven islands (dvīpa), ruled over by Dyutimān.
Priyavrata and Dyutimān are both sons of Priyavrata, who is the son of Svāyambhuva Manu, who was created by Brahmā, who was in turn created by Nārāyaṇa, the unknowable all-pervasive primordial being.
The Varāhapurāṇa is categorised as a Mahāpurāṇa, and was originally composed of 24,000 metrical verses, possibly originating from before the 10th century. It is composed of two parts and Sūta is the main narrator.
Source: archive.org: Puranic EncyclopediaKuśala (कुशल).—A holy place near mount Krauñca. (Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 12, Verse 21).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index1a) Kuśala (कुशल).—A son of Dyutimat after whom Kauśala deśa came to be called.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 14. 22-24; Vāyu-purāṇa 33. 21; Viṣṇu-purāṇa II. 4. 48
1b) The name of the forest where Diti performed penance to get a son to slay Indra.*
- * Vāyu-purāṇa 67. 94.
1c) A class of people in Kuśadvīpa.*
- * Bhāgavata-purāṇa V. 20. 16.
Kuśala (कुशल) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. VI.10.50) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Kuśala) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)
Source: Wikisource: A dictionary of Sanskrit grammarKuśala (कुशल).—Name of a grammarian who wrote a commentary on the Kātantra Vyākaraṇa; see कातन्त्रपञ्जिक्रा (kātantrapañjikrā).
Vyakarana (व्याकरण, vyākaraṇa) refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.
Ayurveda (science of life)
Source: archive.org: Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (first 5 chapters)Kuśala (कुशल) refers to “competent” and is mentioned in verse 3.10 of the Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā (Sūtrasthāna) by Vāgbhaṭa.—Accordingly, “[...] (though) being hungry already at dawn because of the length of the nights in this period, one shall (first) perform the necessary business as mentioned (above) and then practise inunction (of the body) by wind-destroying oils, oiling at the head, massage, wrestling with competent [viz., kuśala] people, and treading with one’s feet; (all this) in a proper way”.
Note: Kuśala (“competent”) has been translated by bag-yod-pa (“careful”)
Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira1) Kuśala (कुशल) refers to “one who is able”, representing a desirable characteristic of an astrologer (Jyotiṣa), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “We shall now proceed to give a brief description of (the qualifications of) a jyotiṣaka. [...] He must be of cleanly habits, able, noble-minded, eloquent and of originality and imagination; must possess a knowledge of place and time; be meek and without nervousness, must be difficult of conquest by his fellow students; must be able [i.e., kuśala] and devoid of vices; [...]”.
2) Kuśala (कुशल) refers to “one who is well-verses” (i.e., in the saṃhitās), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2).—Accordingly, “That prince meets with ruin who does not support a Jyotiṣaka well-versed in all the Divisions and Subdivisions of Saṃhitā [i.e., aṅgopāṅga-kuśala] and in Horoscopy and Astronomy. Even men who, having conquered their passions and cut asunder all ties of family, live in woods, desire to question a learned Jyotiṣaka regarding their future”.
Source: Google Books: Studies in the History of the Exact Sciences (Astronomy)Kuśala (कुशल) refers to one who is “well-versed” (in a particular range of science), according to Hemavijaya Gaṇin’s Kathāratnākara (A.D. 1600).—Accordingly, “The Brāhmaṇa, who is especially well-versed in the whole range of astral science [i.e., niḥśeṣa-Jyotiḥśāstra-kuśala], wore a forehead mark made of saffron and rice-grains—{The round vessel is made of ten palas of copper. In the ghaṭikā [bowl] the height should be made of six aṅgulas. The diameter there should be made to the measure of twelve aṅgulas. The good cherish a water clock that holds sixty palas of water}—dropped the bowl, made fully according to the aforementioned prescriptions, in a basin filled with clean water at the time of the setting of the divine sun”.
Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric TraditionsKuśala (कुशल) refers to “(one) skilled (in the pleasures of love-making)”, according to the Guhyasūtra chapter 3.—Accordingly, “[...] If one torments the body with rain, cold and heat, …, devoted to recitation (japarata) and meditation, this is called the Great Observance. A woman skilled in the pleasures of love-making (rati-saṃbhoga-kuśala), endowed with beauty and youth; such a woman one should procure, holding one’s senses back from the objects of the senses, and one should kiss and embrace [her], placing the penis upon her sex while remaining focussed upon recitation and meditation—one performs [thus] the Sword-Blade Observance. If one should succumb to the control of desire, then one certainly falls into hell. [...]”.
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.
Kavya (poetry)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (kavya)Kuśala (कुशल) refers to “beatitude”, according to Kālidāsa’s Raghuvaṃśa verse 8.88-90.—Accordingly: “The wise say that death is the natural state of embodied creatures and life is a change in that state. If a being remains breathing even for a moment it is surely fortunate. The foolish man regards the loss of his dear one as a dart shot into his heart. Another man looks on the same as a dart that has been pulled out, for it is a door to beatitude (kuśala-dvāratā). When we are taught that our own body and soul unite and then separate, tell me which wise person should be tormented by separation from the external objects of the senses?”.
Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchKuśala (कुशल) refers to “clever” (e.g., “those students who are clever”), according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] Whenever volition dissolves through constant practice, then the true abandonment of action arises for the Yogin. One should reveal this teaching [only] to those superior students [who are] restrained, clever (kuśala), constantly desiring liberation and have confidence [in the efficacy of this path]. [...]”.
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).
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: Wisdom Library: Pancaratra (Samhita list)1) Kuśala (कुशल) is the name of an ancient Pāñcarātra Saṃhitā mentioned in the Kapiñjalasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra work consisting of 1550 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as worship in a temple, choosing an Ācārya, architecture, town-planning and iconography.—For the list of works, see chapter 1, verses 14b-27. The list [including Kuśala-saṃhitā] was said to have comprised “108” titles, these, different saṃhitās named after different manifestations of the Lord or different teachers. They are all said to be authoritative as the ultimate promulgator of all these is the same Nārāyaṇa.
2) Kuśala (कुशल) or Kuśalasaṃhitā is also mentioned in the Puruṣottamasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text consisting of more than 1800 verses devoted to temple-building and the practical concerns of the Pāñcarātra priestly community.
3) Kuśala (कुशल) or Kuśalasaṃhitā is also mentioned in the Bhāradvājasaṃhitā or “Bhāradvāja-kaṇva-saṃhitā”: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 230 ślokas mainly concerned with basic details concerning temple construction and icon consecration.
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Access to Insight: A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist TermsWholesome, skillful, good, meritorious. An action characterized by this moral quality (kusala kamma) is bound to result (eventually) in happiness and a favorable outcome. Actions characterized by its opposite (akusala kamma) lead to sorrow.Source: Dhamma Dana: Pali English GlossaryT ((That which is) good, free from fault). Proper, convenient, skilful. N Good action, benevolent deed, meritorious action.
Any positive action by means of thought, speech and body is a kusala. It does naturally beget some benefit to the one who does perform it.
Source: Journey to Nibbana: Patthana DhamaKusala is wholesome.
Source: Pali Kanon: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines'karmically wholesome' or 'profitable', salutary, morally good, (skillful)
Connotations of the term, according to Com. (Atthasālini), are: of good health, blameless, productive of favourable karma-result, skillful. It should be noted that Com. excludes the meaning 'skillful', when the term is applied to states of consciousness.
It is defined in M.9 as the 10 wholesome courses of action (s. kammapatha). In psychological terms, 'karmically wholesome' are all those karmical volitions (kamma-cetanā) and the consciousness and mental factors associated therewith, which are accompanied by 2 or 3 wholesome roots (s. mūla), i.e. by greedlessness (alobha) and hatelessness (adosa), and in some cases also by non-delusion (amoha: wisdom, understanding). Such states of consciousness are regarded as 'karmically wholesome' as they are causes of favourable karma results and contain the seeds of a happy destiny or rebirth. From this explanation, two facts should be noted:
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(1) it is volition that makes a state of consciousness, or an act, 'good' or 'bad';
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(2) the moral criterion in Buddhism is the presence or absence of the 3 wholesome or moral roots (s. mūla).
The above explanations refer to mundane (lokiya, q.v.) wholesome consciousness. Supermundane wholesome (lokuttara-kusala) states, i.e. the four paths of sanctity (s. ariyapuggala), have as results only the corresponding four fruitions; they do not constitute karma, nor do they lead to rebirth, and this applies also to the good actions of an Arahat (Tab. I, 73-80) and his meditative states (Tab. 1, 81-89), which are all karmically inoperative (functional; s. kiriya).
Kusala belongs to a threefold division of all consciousness, as found in the Abhidhamma (Dhs.), into
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wholesome (kusala),
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unwholesome (akusala) and
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karmically neutral (avyākata),
which is the first of the triads (tika) in the Abhidhamma schedule (mātikā); s. Guide, pp. 4ff., 12ff; Vis.M. XIV, 83ff.
Source: Dhamma Study: CetasikasBy kusala is meant (moral) "good " in the sense of destroying or disturbing contemptible states; or in the sense of wholesomeness, faultlessness, and accomplishment by skill...
The Atthasalini, in the same section (63), defines kusala as follows :
- its characteristic is that it has faultless. happy results,
- its function is the destruction of immoralities,
- its manifestation is purity.
- its proximate cause is wise attention
The Atthasalini gives a second method of defining kusala:
- its characteristic is faultlessness by being opposed to fault,
- its function is purity.
- its manifestation is desirable results,
- its proximate cause is wise attention.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraKuśala (कुशल) refers to “that which is good”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 4).—Accordingly, “[Why is the Buddha called Śāstā Devamanuṣyāṇām]—Śāstā means teacher, deva means gods and manuṣyāṇām means men (in the genitive case). The expression thus means ‘Teacher of gods and men’. Why is he called teacher of gods and men? The Buddha shows [gods and men] what should be done and what should not be done, what is good (kuśala) and what is bad (akuśala). Those who follow his instructions do not abandon the doctrine of the Path and acquire liberation from their passions (kleśavimokṣa) as reward (vipāka). Thus he is called Teacher of gods and men”.
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the GaganagañjaparipṛcchāKuśala (कुशल) refers to “(giving for the sake of) good”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “Then, the Lord went on to speak these verses: ‘(40) They give a gift for the sake of good (kuśala) and getting rid of afflictions (kleśaprahāṇa), for that reason they do not desire to grasp (grāha) [anything]. Giving is not only for the sake of the vices of others but also for the sake of awakening that is the purity of one’s own mind. [...]’”.
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.
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara SamadhiKuśala (कुशल) refers to “(being) good”, according to the Guru-maṇḍala-arcana [i.e., “Guru Mandala Worship]” ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.—Accordingly, “I confess to making pleasurable intoxicants, depositing faults, completely, in front again, making the most excellent union, disciple Khaḍga Jinottama, Arhat, Buddha, capable, good (kuśala), agreeable (and) awake, I bow completely, the triad, Jinaratna, etc., I am taking as much refuge, with my whole soul, bestowing awakened mind, the best path, practicing yoga in this manner. Vow being, knowledge being, observe one motion”.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgraha1) Kuśala (कुशल) or Daśakuśala refers to the “ten unwholesome things” as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 56):
- prāṇātipāta (killing living creatures),
- adattādāna (taking what has not been given),
- kāmamithyācāra (sexual misconduct),
- mṛṣāvāda (false speech),
- paiśunya (malicious speech),
- pāruṣya (rough speech),
- sambhinnapralāpa (frivolous talk),
- abhidhyā (avarice),
- vyāpāda (ill-will),
- mithyādṛṣṭi (wrong view).
The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., kuśala). The work is attributed to Nagarguna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.
2) Kuśala (कुशल, “wholesomeness”) or Kuśalamātsarya refers to “selfishness regarding wholesomeness” and represents one of the “five selfishnesses” (mātsarya) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 78).
Source: Buddhist Door: GlossarySanskrit word. It means good Karma.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: academia.edu: Tessitori Collection I1) Kusala (कुसल) is the author of the Ātmaprabodhasajjhāya (dealing with the Ethics section of Jain Canonical literature), which is included in the collection of manuscripts at the ‘Vincenzo Joppi’ library, collected by Luigi Pio Tessitori during his visit to Rajasthan between 1914 and 1919.
2) Kuśala (कुशल) or “Muni Kuśala” is also the proposed author of the “Dhanājī kī sajjhāya” (dealing with the lives of Jain teachers).—The identity of Muni Kuśala is not known, if at all Kusala is to be understood here as the author’s signature.
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.
India history and geography
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical GlossaryKuśala.—(IA 17), used in the sense of puṇya, religious merit; cf. kuśala-mūla. Note: kuśala is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarykusala : (nt.) good action; merit; virtue. (adj.), clever.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryKusala, (adj.) (cp. Sk. kuśala) 1. (adj.) clever, skilful, expert; good, right, meritorious M. I, 226; Dh. 44; J. I, 222. Esp. appl. in moral sense (=puñña), whereas akusala is practically equivalent to pāpa. ekam pi ce pāṇaṃ aduṭṭhacitto mettāyati kusalo tena hoti It. 21; sappañño paṇḍito kusalo naro Sn. 591, cp. 523; Pv. I, 33 (=nipuṇa). With kamma=a meritorious action, in kammaṃ katvā kusalaṃ D. III, 157; Vv III, 27; Pv. I, 1011 see cpds.—ācāra-k° good in conduct Dh. 376; parappavāda° skilled in disputation Dpvs. IV, 19; magga° (and opp. amagga°) one who is an expert as regards the Path (lit. & fig.) S. III, 108; samāpatti°, etc. A. V, 156 sq.; sālittaka-payoge k° skilled in the art of throwing pot‹-› sherds PvA. 282.—In derivation k. is explained by Dhpāla & Bdhgh by kucchita and salana, viz. kucchita-salanādi atthena kusalaṃ VvA. 169; kucchite pāpadhamme salayanti calayanti kappenti viddhaṃsenti ti kusalā DhsA. 39; where four alternative derivations are given (cp. Mrs. Rh. D. , Dhs. trsl. p. lxxxii).—2. (nt.) a good thing, good deeds, virtue, merit, good consciousness (citta omitted; cp. DhsA. 162, 200, etc.): yassa pāpaṃ kataṃ kammaṃ kusalena pithīyati, so imaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti “he makes this world shine, who covers an evil deed with a good one” M. II, 104=Dh. 173=Th. 1, 872; sukhañ ca k. pucchi (fitness) Sn. 981; Vv 301 (=ārogyaṃ); D. I, 24; J. VI, 367; Pv. I, 13 (=puñña); PvA. 75; Miln. 25.—In special sense as ten kusalāni equivalent to the dasasīlaṃ (cp. sīla) M. I, 47; A. V, 241, 274. All good qualities (dhammā) which constitute right and meritorious conduct are comprised in the phrase —kusala-dhammā Sn. 1039, 1078, expld. in extenso Nd2 s. v. See also cpd. °dhamma.—Kusalaṃ karoti to do what is good and righteous, i.e. kāyena, vācāya, manasā It. 78; cp. Dh. 53; sabba-pāpassa akaraṇaṃ kusalassa upasampadā sacittapariyodapanaṃ etaṃ Buddhānusāsanaṃ D. II, 49=Dh. 183; cp. Nett 43, 81, 171, 186. Kusalaṃ bhāveti to pursue righteousness (together with akusalaṃ pajahati to give up wrong habits) A. I, 58; IV, 109 sq.; It. 9.—akusala adj. : improper, wrong, bad; nt. : demerit, evil deed D. I, 37, 163; bālo+akusalo Sn. 879, 887; =pāpa PvA. 60, cp. pāpapasuto akatakusalo ib. 6. kusalaṃ & akusalaṃ are discussed in detail (with ref. to rūpâvacara° fivefold, to arūpâvacara° & lokuttara° fourfold, to kāmâvacara° eight & twelvefold) at Vism. 452—454.—kusalâkusala good and bad M. I, 489; S. V, 91; Miln. 25; Nett 161, 192; Dhs. 1124 sq.—sukusala (dhammānaṃ) highly skilled D. I, 180 (cp. M. II. 31).
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
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionarykuśala (कुशल).—n (S) pop. kuśaḷa n Well-being, happiness, ease; state of comfort and security.
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kuśala (कुशल).—a Happy, well, that is in ease and comfort. 2 also kuśalabuddhi a Expert, skilful, clever.
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kusaḷa (कुसळ).—n The beard, awn, or bristles of grains and grasses. v bōca, śira, lāga, aḍaka, mōḍa. Pr. dusaṛyācē ḍōḷyāntalēṃ ku0 (disatēṃ) āpalyā ḍōḷyāntalēṃ musaḷa (disata nāhīṃ). Matt. vii. 3.
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kusaḷa (कुसळ).—, f (kuśaḷa) A witch or cunning woman: also a clever or skilful woman gen.
Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-Englishkuśala (कुशल).—n Well-being, happiness. a Happy.Expert.
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kusaḷa (कुसळ).—n The bristles of grains and grasses.
Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryKuśala (कुशल).—a.
1) Right, proper, good, auspicious; कुशलं खलु तुभ्यमेव तद्वचनं कृष्ण यदभ्यधामहम् (kuśalaṃ khalu tubhyameva tadvacanaṃ kṛṣṇa yadabhyadhāmaham) Śiśupālavadha 16.41; न द्वेष्ट्यकुशलं कर्म कुशले नानुषज्यते (na dveṣṭyakuśalaṃ karma kuśale nānuṣajyate) Bhagavadgītā (Bombay) 18.1.
2) Happy, prosperous.
3) Able, skilful, clever, proficient, wellversed; कृतान्तः कुशलः पुत्र येनास्मि व्यसनीकृतः (kṛtāntaḥ kuśalaḥ putra yenāsmi vyasanīkṛtaḥ) Rām.7.54.16. with loc. or in comp.; दण्डनीत्यां च कुशलम् (daṇḍanītyāṃ ca kuśalam) Y.1.313,2.181; Manusmṛti 7.19; R.3.12.
-lam 1 Welfare, a happy or prosperous condition, happiness; पप्रच्छ कुशलं राज्ये राज्याश्रममुनिं मुनिः (papraccha kuśalaṃ rājye rājyāśramamuniṃ muniḥ) R.1.58; अव्यापन्नः कुशलमबले पृच्छति त्वाम् (avyāpannaḥ kuśalamabale pṛcchati tvām) Meghadūta 13; अपि कुशलं भवतः (api kuśalaṃ bhavataḥ) 'are you doing well' (how do you do?).
2) Virtue.
3) Cleverness, ability.
-laḥ An epithet of Śiva.
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Kuṣala (कुषल).—a. Clever, expert.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionaryKuśala (कुशल).—nt. (= Pali kusala, synonym of puñña; in Sanskrit Lex. only, also syn. of puṇya), good in a moral sense (not so in Sanskrit literature), merit, righteous action; there are 10 kuśala (= Pali 10 kusala or sīla), Mahāvyutpatti 1685, listed 1686 —98, = (kuśala) karmapatha, q.v. for list. See the next items.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryKuśala (कुशल).—mfn.
(-laḥ-lā or -lī-laṃ) 1. Happy, well, right. 2. Expert, skilful. 3. Clever. 4. Eloquent. n.
(-laṃ) 1. Adequacy, ability. 2. Virtue, virtuous action. 3. Well-being, happiness. E. ku the earth. and śal to go, affix ac; also kuṣala and kusala.
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Kuṣala (कुषल).—mfn.
(-laḥ-lā or -lī-laṃ) Clever, expert, skilful: see kuśala.
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Kusala (कुसल).—adv. n.
(-laṃ) Well, happy, &c. see kuśala.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryKuśala (कुशल).— (perhaps for ku-śara, and akin to śaraṇa), I. adj., f. lā. 1. Happy, [Bhagavadgītā, (ed. Schlegel.)] 18, 10. 2. Healthy, [Rāmāyaṇa] 2, 70, 12. 3. Expert, [Pañcatantra] v. [distich] 33; skilful, [Nala] 19, 19; 20; with loc., [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 7, 190; gen., [Yājñavalkya, (ed. Stenzler.)] 2, 181; infin., Mahābhārata 1, 53. Ii. lam, adv. Well, [Bhāgavata-Purāṇa, (ed. Burnouf.)] 1, 14, 29; mildly, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 6, 48. Iii. m. The name of a people, Mahābhārata 6, 359. Iv. n. 1. Well-being, [Rāmāyaṇa] 1, 52, 5. 2. Happiness, [Pañcatantra] 192, 23; prosperity (of devotion), [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 2, 127. 3. Salutation, [Rāmāyaṇa] 1, 73, 8.
— Instr. lena, adverbially, Cheerfully, [Rāmāyaṇa] 2, 34, 22.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryKuśala (कुशल).—[adjective] in good condition, in order, all right, proper, suitable, well, healthy; equal to, capable of, clever, skilful, versed in ([locative], [genetive], [infinitive], or —°). [feminine] kuśalī [Name] of [several] plants. [neuter] right condition, welfare, health, luck; also = seq.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus CatalogorumKuśala (कुशल) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—Pañjikāpradīpa [grammatical] Quoted in Kāvyakāmadhenu Oxf. 176^a.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Kuśala (कुशल):—mf(ā)n. (gaṇas sidhmādi, śreṇy-ādi, and śramaṇādi) right, proper, suitable, good (e.g. kuśalaṃ √man, to consider good, approve, [Aitareya-brāhmaṇa; Śāṅkhāyana-śrauta-sūtra])
2) well, healthy, in good condition, prosperous, [Rāmāyaṇa] etc.
3) fit for, competent, able, skilful, clever, conversant with ([locative case] [Pāṇini 2-3, 40; Chāndogya-upaniṣad; Manu-smṛti] etc. [genitive case] [Pāṇini 2-3, 40; Yājñavalkya ii, 181] [infinitive mood] [Mahābhārata], or in [compound] [gaṇa śauṇḍādi; Gaut, [Manu-smṛti] etc.])
4) m. [plural] Name of a people, [Mahābhārata vi, 359]
5) m. Name of the Brāhmans in Kuśadvīpa, [Bhāgavata-purāṇa v, 20, 16]
6) Name of Śiva
7) of a prince, [Viṣṇu-purāṇa]
8) of a grammarian (author of the Pañjikā-pradīpa)
9) Kuśalā (कुशला):—[from kuśala] f. Name of a woman [gana] bāhv-ādi
10) Kuśala (कुशल):—n. welfare, well-being, prosperous condition, happiness, [Taittirīya-upaniṣad; Gautama-dharma-śāstra; Āpastamba-dharma-sūtra; Mahābhārata] etc. ([kuśalam-√pracch, to ask after another’s welfare, to say ‘how do you do?’ [Manu-smṛti; Mahābhārata] etc.; kuśalaṃ te (optionally with [dative case] [Pāṇini 2-3, 73]), ‘hail to thee!’ (used as a salutation, especially in greeting a Brāhman), [Mahābhārata] etc.])
11) benevolence, [Rāmāyaṇa ii, 34, 22]
12) virtue, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
13) cleverness, competence, ability, [Pañcatantra]
14) Name of a Varṣa governed by Kuśala, [Viṣṇu-purāṇa]
15) n. (in [compound]) [gana] vispaṣṭādi
16) happily, cheerfully, (with √ās, ‘to be well’), [Bhāgavata-purāṇa]
17) n. (also) religious merit, [Inscriptions; Monier-Williams’ Buddhism 124]
18) Kuśāla (कुशाल):—m. Name of a prince, [Viṣṇu-purāṇa]
19) Kuṣala (कुषल):—for kuśala q.v., [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
20) Kusala (कुसल):—for kuśala q.v.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Kuśala (कुशल):—[(laḥ-lā-laṃ) a.] Happy, right; expert; eloquent. 1. n. Ability; virtue; well-being.
2) Kuṣala (कुषल):—[(laḥ-lā-laṃ) a.] Clever.
3) Kusala (कुसल):—(laṃ) adv. Well, happily.
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Kuśala (कुशल) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Kusala, Kusalā.
[Sanskrit to German]
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.
Hindi dictionary
Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionaryKuśala (कुशल) [Also spelled kushal]:—(a) skilful, skilled, deft, proficient, dexterous; (nf) well-being, happiness; —[kṣema] well-being, happiness; —[praśna] inquiry after the health and welfare (of a person); —[maṃgala] welfare, well-being.
...
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary1) Kusala (कुसल) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Kuśala.
2) Kusalā (कुसला) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Kuśalā.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusKuśala (ಕುಶಲ):—
1) [adjective] having skill; done with skill; skilful; talented; expert; proficient.
2) [adjective] proper; fitting; seemly; right.
3) [adjective] causing, leading to, safety or welfare; favourable; safe.
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Kuśala (ಕುಶಲ):—
1) [noun] skill a) great ability or proficiency; expertness that comes from training, practice, etc.; b) an art, craft or science, esp. one involving the use of the hands or body; c) ability in such an art, craft or science.
2) [noun] a skilled, proficient man; an expert.
3) [noun] the state of being or doing well; condition of health, happiness, and comfort; well-being; prosperity; welfare.
4) [noun] general moral excellence; right action and thinking; goodness or morality.
5) [noun] the quality or state of being adequate.
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Kuśaḷa (ಕುಶಳ):—[adjective] = ಕುಶಲ [kushala]1.
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Kuśaḷa (ಕುಶಳ):—[noun] = ಕುಶಲ [kushala]2.
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Kusala (ಕುಸಲ):—
1) [noun] skill a) great ability or proficiency; expertness that comes from training, practice, etc.; b) an art, craft or science, esp. one involving the use of the hands or body; c) ability in such an art, craft or science.
2) [noun] a skilled, proficient man; an expert.
3) [noun] the state of being or doing well; condition of good health, happiness, and comfort; well-being; prosperity; welfare.
4) [noun] a fine-art work.
5) [noun] the supposed art of influencing the course of events by the occult control of nature or of the spirits; magic.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Nepali dictionary
Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary1) Kuśala (कुशल):—adj. 1. skillful; deft; expert; 2. clever; proficient;
2) Kuśala (कुशल):—n. 1. health; well-being; 2. good fortune; prosperity;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with (+40): Kusalata, Kushala kavi, Kushalabuddhi, Kushalacaitasika, Kushalacampu, Kushalacitra, Kushaladharma, Kushaladvara, Kushaladvarata, Kushalagara, Kushalagarti, Kushalagedu, Kushalahasta, Kushalahaste, Kushalahe, Kushalakale, Kushalakama, Kushalakarma, Kushalakarmi, Kushalakriye.
Ends with (+37): Ahavadharmakushala, Akhyanakushala, Akshakushala, Akusala, Alapakushala, Arthakushala, Ashvakushala, Atharvakushala, Darshanakushala, Dashakushala, Dhanakushala, Dharmapadmashrikushala, Dhatukusala, Gajakushala, Harshakushala, Hataca Kushala, Hataca-kushala, Jinakushala, Jnanakushala, Kalakushala.
Full-text (+406): Akusala, Kusalata, Kushalaprashna, Kushalamula, Karyakushala, Dhatukusala, Kalakushala, Mantrakushala, Nitikushala, Kushalavac, Kushalabuddhi, Svadhinakushala, Kumarakushala, Upayakusala, Kshudhakushala, Vaitanakushala, Sarvarthakushala, Kushalatva, Kushalacampu, Kushalakama.
Relevant text
Search found 153 books and stories containing Kushala, Kusala, Kuśala, Kusaḷa, Kuṣala, Kuśalā, Kuśāla, Kusalā, Kuśaḷa, Kusalas; (plurals include: Kushalas, Kusalas, Kuśalas, Kusaḷas, Kuṣalas, Kuśalās, Kuśālas, Kusalās, Kuśaḷas, Kusalases). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Manual of Abhidhamma (by Nārada Thera)
Section on Planes < [Chapter IV - Analysis of Thought-Processes]
Classification of Individuals < [Chapter IV - Analysis of Thought-Processes]
The Arising of Material Phenomena < [Chapter VI - Analysis of Matter]
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 3.9.112 < [Chapter 9 - The Glories of Advaita]
Verse 2.13.133 < [Chapter 13 - The Deliverance of Jagāi and Mādhāi]
Verse 1.8.206 < [Chapter 8 - The Disappearance of Jagannātha Miśra]
Patthana Dhamma (by Htoo Naing)
Chapter 17 - Kamma paccayo (or kamma condition)
Chapter 13 - Upanissaya paccayo (or decisive support condition)
Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation) (by Swami Lokeswarananda)
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verse 5.24.76 < [Chapter 24 - The Killing of the Kola Demon]
Verse 5.3.20 < [Chapter 3 - Akrūra’s Arrival]
Verse 1.6.37 < [Chapter 6 - Description of Kaṃsa’s Strength]
Preksha meditation: History and Methods (by Samani Pratibha Pragya)
4.6. Kuśala-Sādhanā (The Adept One in the Spiritual Practice) < [Chapter 3 - The History of Meditation in Terāpanth]
6. Overall Glimpse of the Chronological Development of Prekṣā < [Chapter 3 - The History of Meditation in Terāpanth]
4.4. Motivation behind Prekṣā-Dhyāna < [Chapter 3 - The History of Meditation in Terāpanth]