Laghima, Laghimā: 12 definitions
Introduction:
Laghima means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Buddhism, Pali, 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.
In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: Wisdom Library: YogaLaghimā (लघिमा) is a Sanskrit word referring to the “ability to become very light”, as described in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali.
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchLaghimā (लघिमा) refers to “(the supernatural power of) becoming extremely light”, and as one of the “eight common Yogic paranormal powers”, represents one of the various signs and paranormal powers (siddhi) experienced by the Yoga practicioner, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise.—The last fifty-two verses of the Amanaska’s first chapter describe a temporal sequence of psychosomatic signs and paranormal powers (siddhi) brought about by absorption (laya). In the Amanaska, The 8 common yogic paranormal powers are, [e.g., the power to be extremely light (laghimā)], [...] This list is similar to that given in Pātañjalayogaśāstra 3.45.
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).
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationLaghimā (लघिमा) refers to the “power of lightness”, representing the achievements of the southern petal of the Aṣṭadala (mystical diagram of the lotus of eight petals), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.11, while explaining the mode of worshipping Śiva:—“[...] the Liṅga shall be purified and installed with various mantras beginning with Praṇava and ending with Namaḥ (obeisance). The pedestal in the form of Svastika or lotus shall be assigned with Praṇava. In the eight petals, in the eight quarters, the eight achievements are identified [viz., the southern is Laghimā (lightness)]”.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index1a) Laghimā (लघिमा).—A devī.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 19. 4; 36. 51.
1b) One of the eight yogaiśvaryas; this second step of the yoga consists of lambanam, plavana, and śighraga.*
- * Vāyu-purāṇa 13. 3, 12.
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.
Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)
Source: Pure Bhakti: Bhajana-rahasya - 2nd EditionLaghimā (लघिमा) refers to:—The mystic perfection of making oneself lighter than a soft feather. (cf. Glossary page from Bhajana-Rahasya).
Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraLaghimā (लघिमा) is the name of a vidyā subdued by Rāvaṇa, according to the Jain Ramayana and chapter 7.1 [origin of the rākṣasavaṃśa and vānaravaṃśa] 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, “[...] Rāvaṇa, knowing the highest good, not considering it worthless, remained motionless like a high mountain, absorbed in preeminent meditation. ‘Well done! Well done!’ was the cry of gods in the sky, and the Yakṣa-servants departed quickly, terrified. One thousand vidyās, the sky being lighted up by them, came to Daśāsya (=Rāvaṇa), saying aloud, ‘We are subject to you.’ [e.g., Laghimā, ...] great vidyās beginning with these were subdued by noble Daśāsya in just a few days because of his former good acts. [...]”.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryLaghima, (laṅghima) in phrase aṇima-laghim’ādikaṃ is doubtful in reading & meaning at KhA 108=Vism. 211 (spelt laṅgh° here). (Page 579)
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 Dictionarylaghimā (लघिमा).—m S Lightness. 2 One of the Siddhi or attributes of Deity,--excessive and preternatural levity.
Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-Englishlaghimā (लघिमा).—m Human lightness.
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.
Hindi dictionary
Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionaryLaghimā (लघिमा):—(nf) smallness, littleness; lightness; one of the eight siddhis which enables a man to assume as tiny a form as he likes.
...
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionaryLaghima (लघिम) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Laghiman.
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 corpusLaghima (ಲಘಿಮ):—
1) [noun] the quality or fact of being light or lighter.
2) [noun] small-mindedness; meanness; pettiness.
3) [noun] the quality of having or showing little or no sense, judgement.
4) [noun] a foolish, stupid person.
5) [noun] a mystical accomplishment of making one’s body very light or weightless.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Laghiman, Laghimasiddhi.
Full-text: Laghiman, Siddhi, Ashtasiddhi, Lagima, Laghime, Aishvarya, Manushatva, Manushata, Ashtsiddhi, Akulikri, Animan, Ashtamahasiddhaya, Pashupatayoga, Vibhuti, Sulabha, Bhuti, Kartaviryarjuna, Ashtadala, Paranormal power.
Relevant text
Search found 27 books and stories containing Laghima, Laghimā; (plurals include: Laghimas, Laghimās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 2.9.189 < [Chapter 9 - The Lord’s Twenty-One Hour Ecstasy and Descriptions of Śrīdhara and Other Devotees’ Characteristics]
Verse 1.8.180 < [Chapter 8 - The Disappearance of Jagannātha Miśra]
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verses 1.7.24-26 < [Chapter 7 - Description of the Conquest of All Directions]
The Markandeya Purana (Study) (by Chandamita Bhattacharya)
9. Outcome of Yoga Practice < [Chapter 4]
Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study) (by A. Yamuna Devi)
Philosophy (2): Yoga (Patañjali) < [Chapter 4 - Cultural Aspects]
Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4 (by Vihari-Lala Mitra)
Chapter CXXIII - On the difference between the knowing and unknowing < [Book VI - Nirvana prakarana part 1 (nirvana prakarana)]
Chapter XIV - The different degrees of perfection < [The yoga philosophy]
Chapter LXXXV - The sage’s samadhi or absorption in the divine spirit < [Book V - Upasama khanda (upashama khanda)]
Bhajana-Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Mahasaya)
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