Madhyamarga, Madhyamārga, Madhya-marga: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Madhyamarga 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

Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

[«previous next»] — Madhyamarga in Jyotisha glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Madhyamārga (मध्यमार्ग) refers to the “central path”, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 9), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “The ecliptic is divided into nine divisions known as Vīthis (paths). [...] Of the nine Vīthis the first three are known as the northern Vīthis; the next three as the central Vīthis and the last three as the southern Vīthis. [i.e., madhyamārgaudaṅmadhyayāmyamārgasthāḥ] Again in the case of each three the first is known as the northern Vīthi, the second as the central Vīthi and the last as the southern Vīthi [i.e., uttara-madhya-dakṣiṇa]”.

Jyotisha book cover
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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.

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Yoga (school of philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Madhyamarga in Yoga glossary
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Madhyamārga (मध्यमार्ग) refers to the “central channel”, according to the Candrāvalokana: a short dialogue between Śiva and Matsyendranātha dealing with teachings on absorption, mind and breath.—Accordingly, while discussing the no-mind state: “So long as the moving breath does not enter the central channel (madhyamārga); so long as one's semen, which is connected to the breath, is not stable, and so long as the no-mind state which corresponds to one’s natural [state] does not arise in meditation, then if one talks of gnosis, it is deceitful and false prattling”.

Yoga book cover
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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).

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