Laghima, Laghimā: 6 definitions
Introduction
Laghima means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali, 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
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.
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’).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Laghiman, Laghimasiddhi.
Full-text: Siddhi, Aishvarya, Manushata, Manushatva, Akulikri, Animan, Laghiman, Ashtamahasiddhaya, Vibhuti, Pashupatayoga, Ashtasiddhi, Sulabha, Bhuti, Kartaviryarjuna, Ashtadala.
Relevant text
Search found 17 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:
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)
The Bhagavata Purana (by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)
Chapter 15 - Lord Krishna’s Description of Mystic Yoga Perfections < [Canto XI - General History]
Chapter 15 - Parasurama, the Lord’s Warrior Incarnation < [Canto IX - Liberation]
Chapter 3 - Hiranyakasipu’s Plan to Become Immortal < [Canto VII - The Science of God]
The Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 166 - Pāṇḍurāryā-tīrtha < [Section 6 - Uttara-Khaṇḍa (Concluding Section)]
Chapter 18 - The greatness of Nandā-Prācī < [Section 1 - Sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍa (section on creation)]
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Eight Mundane Features of the Buddha’s Willpower < [Chapter 42 - The Dhamma Ratanā]
The Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)