Madhyastha, Mādhyastha, Mādhyasthā, Madhyasthā, Madhya-stha: 21 definitions
Introduction:
Madhyastha 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Madhyasth.
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstraMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ, “indifferent”) refers to an “indifferent mind”, and is one of the three aspects of the mind (manas), according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 24. Accordingly, “an indifferent attitude (madhyastha) should be represented by expressing not too much delight or to much abhorrence, and by keeping oneself in the middling state. The representation of words like ‘it is done by him,’ ‘it is his,’ or ‘he does this’ which relate to invisible acts is an example of indifferent attitude”.
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).
Samkhya (school of philosophy)
Source: Shodhganga: Prakrti and purusa in Samkhyakarika an analytical reviewMādhyastha (माध्यस्थ, “neutrality”).—This characteristic follows from kaivalya (isolation). As puruṣa is totally opposite of the three guṇas, there is absence of the three guṇas in it. Because of the absence of the three guṇas, the absence of the three types of sorrow (duḥkha) is natural in case of puruṣa. Again, absence of the three guṇas (atraiguṇya) denotes absence of pleasure, pain and bewilderment (sukhaduḥkhamoharahittva). Therefore, the neutrality (mādhyastha) of puruṣa can be inferred, as it is free from the three guṇas (atraiguṇya).
For Yuktidīpikā, by the application of the term mādhyastha, the neutrality of puruṣa is meant; because puruṣa is indifferent to fulfill its own purpose. Having no attraction to fulfill its own purpose, puruṣa does neither have any attraction, nor have any repulsion to the contact (saṃyoga) with the three guṇas. Hence, because of the absence of any quantity of partiality to fulfill its own needs, puruṣa is neutral (mādhyastha).
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): (samkhya philosophy)Madhyastha (मध्यस्थ) refers to “neutral persons”, according to Vācaspatimiśra’s commentary on Sāṅkhyakārikā (Kārikā 19).—Accordingly, [while equating udāsīna with neutrality—mādhyasthya]: “Therefore, because the three Guṇasare absent, neutrality [is mentioned]. A happy person who is satisfied with happiness and a sad person who detests sorrow are not neutral (madhyastha). Thus, one who is neutral is free of [happiness and sorrow] and he is also called udāsīna”.
Samkhya (सांख्य, Sāṃkhya) is a dualistic school of Hindu philosophy (astika) and is closeley related to the Yoga school. Samkhya philosophy accepts three pramanas (‘proofs’) only as valid means of gaining knowledge. Another important concept is their theory of evolution, revolving around prakriti (matter) and purusha (consciousness).
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramMadhyasthā (मध्यस्था) refers to “she who resides in the middle” (of the ocean of nectar), according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “Mālinī of the Void (vyomamālinī) abides (both) as one and as many divisions (vibhāga). The End of the Twelve is the Void which (is the abode of Mālinī that, as) the Self, is the nectar (Mālinī showers down below). (Thus Mālinī) resides in the midst of the ocean of nectar [i.e., amṛtāmbhodhi-madhyasthā ] and, residing in the movement (cāra) (of the vital breath), she is the one who impels (its) motion (cāravāhinī). 'Movement' is said to be the activity of the vital breath (prāṇagati). Thus she who, residing there, impels (it, is said to be) the one who impels (its) motion (cāravāhinī)”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ) refers to “situated in the middle (of a lotus)”, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 6.23-25a]—“Delighted, [the Mantrin] should visualize [the jīva] in his own or someone else’s [body] as being flooded by waves of amṛta, in the middle of a lotus on the ocean of milk (kṣīroda-padma-madhyastha), enclosed between two moons one above and one below, enclosed by the syllables saḥ, etc. He [visualizes his] body, beautiful inside and out, filled with nectar. [He is] freed without exertion and without trouble, and liberated from any sickness”.
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.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ) refers to “neutrals” (i.e., neither friend nor enemy), according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXXII-XXXIV).—Accordingly, “[...] following long practice, it is necessary to acquire deep affection for and love equally and without any difference the three types of beings, friends (priyapudgala), enemies (vairipudgala) and neutrals (madhyastha), to look upon beings in the five destinies (pañcagati) and the ten directions with the same loving-kindness as one regards one’s mother, father, older brother, younger brother, older sister, younger sister, one’s son, nephew, one’s friend; one should always look for good things to procure their welfare (hita) and safety (yogakṣema); finally, one should include the beings of the ten directions in this loving-kindness”.
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: MDPI Books: The Ocean of HeroesMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ) refers to the “being seated at the center (of a hollow space)” (in the sky), according to the 10th-century Ḍākārṇava-tantra: one of the last Tibetan Tantric scriptures belonging to the Buddhist Saṃvara tradition consisting of 51 chapters.—Accordingly, “[...] [He should visualize] a seed of knowledge [representing] the self-existent one (viz., hūm) at the center of a lotus on a sun [disk] in [his] heart. Then he should emit rays of various colors, [which] fill the sky. Having attracted an assembly of deities formed by Jñānaḍākinī, he should make the Lord of the world seated at the center (madhyastha) of a hollow space in the sky. [...]”.
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.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 7: The Five VowsMādhyastha (माध्यस्थ) refers to the “ill behaved” according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 7.11.—What is meant by equanimity or tolerance towards the ill behaved (mādhyastha)? Tolerance or unconcern, for those who have perverted belief or sinful disposition or are without modesty, is called equanimity or tolerance towards the ill behaved. What is the subject of the contemplation on equanimity or tolerance towards the ill behaved? The subject of this observance is the insolent person. The person observing this develops a feeling of equanimity.
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 GlossaryMadhyastha.—(EI 8, 25; SII 2; ASLV; SITI), a neutral person, generally the village headman; a mediator or arbitrator; secretary of the village assembly (SII 13). Note: madhyastha 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
Marathi-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionarymadhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—a (S) Situate in the middle part. 2 That mediates; a mediator.
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mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ).—c S A mediator. 2 n The office or business of mediator.
Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-Englishmadhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—a Situated in the middle part. A mediator.
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madhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—m A mediator.
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 dictionaryMādhyastha (माध्यस्थ).—a. Indifferent, impartial, neutral.
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Mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ).—
1) Impartiality; निर्माध्यस्थ्याच्च हर्षाच्च बभाषे दुर्वचं वचः (nirmādhyasthyācca harṣācca babhāṣe durvacaṃ vacaḥ) Rām.2.11.11.
2) Indifference. unconcern; अभ्यर्थनाभङ्गभयेन साधुर्माध्यस्थ्यमिष्टेऽप्यवलम्बतेऽर्थे (abhyarthanābhaṅgabhayena sādhurmādhyasthyamiṣṭe'pyavalambate'rthe) Kumārasambhava 1.52; कैवल्यं माध्यस्थ्यम् (kaivalyaṃ mādhyasthyam) Sāṃkhyakārikā 19.
3) Intercession, mediation.
Derivable forms: mādhyastham (माध्यस्थम्).
See also (synonyms): mādhyasthya.
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Madhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—a.
1) being or standing in the middle, central.
2) intermediate, intervening.
3) middling.
4) mediating, acting as umpire between two parties.
5) impartial, neutral; सुहृन्मित्रार्युदासीनमध्यस्थ- द्वेष्यबन्धुषु (suhṛnmitrāryudāsīnamadhyastha- dveṣyabandhuṣu) ... समबुद्धिर्विशिष्यते (samabuddhirviśiṣyate) Bhagavadgītā (Bombay) 6.9.
6) indifferent, unconcerned; अन्या मध्यस्थचिन्ता तु विमर्दाभ्यधिकोदया (anyā madhyasthacintā tu vimardābhyadhikodayā) Rām. 2.2.16; मध्यस्थो देशबन्धुषु (madhyastho deśabandhuṣu) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 4.6; वयमत्र मध्यस्थाः (vayamatra madhyasthāḥ) Ś.5. (-sthaḥ) 1 an umpire, arbitrator, a mediator.
2) an epithet of Śiva.
Madhyastha is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms madhya and stha (स्थ).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—mfn.
(-sthaḥ-sthā-sthaṃ) 1. Centrical, middle. 2. Neutral. 3. Mediating. m.
(-sthaḥ) 1. A middle man, an umpire, an arbitrator, a mediator. 2. An epithet of Siva. E. madhya middle, and stha what or who stays.
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Mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ).—n.
(-sthaṃ) 1. Middle state or condition. 2. Indifference to earthly objects. E. madhyastha and aṇ aff.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—[madhya-stha], I. adj. 1. Middle. 2. Living in the midst (of persons), [Pañcatantra] 191, 10. 3. Neutral, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 9, 272. 4. Impartial, [Mālavikāgnimitra, (ed. Tullberg.)] 9, 2. 5. Indifferent, [Śākuntala, (ed. Böhtlingk.)] 63, 19. Ii. m. A mediator, a judge, [Lassen, Anthologia Sanskritica.] 92, 3.
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Mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ).—i. e. madhyastha + a, n. 1. Middle state. 2. Indifference to earthly objects, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 4, 257.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ).—[adjective] being in the middle, being within, among, or between ([genetive] or —°); moderate, indifferent, neutral, impartial.
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Mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ).—[adjective] showing indifference; [neuter] = seq.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Madhyastha (मध्यस्थ):—[=madhya-stha] [from madhya] mf(ā)n. being in the middle, being between or among ([genitive case] or [compound]), [Yājñavalkya; Mahābhārata] etc.
2) [v.s. ...] being in the middle space id est. in the air, [Śāṅkhāyana-brāhmaṇa]
3) [v.s. ...] standing between two persons or parties mediating, a mediator, [Pāṇini 3-2, 179 [Scholiast or Commentator]]
4) [v.s. ...] belonging to neither or both parties, (only) a witness, impartial, neutral, indifferent, [Manu-smṛti; Mahābhārata] etc.
5) [v.s. ...] being of a middle condition or kind, middling, [Mahābhārata; Kāvya literature]
6) [v.s. ...] m. ‘arbitrator, umpire’, Name of Śiva, [Śivagītā, ascribed to the padma-purāṇa]
7) Mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ):—[=mādhya-stha] [from mādhya] mfn. ([from] madhya-stha) being in a middle state, indifferent, impartial, [Kāmandakīya-nītisāra]
8) [v.s. ...] n. indifference, impartiality, [Manu-smṛti iv, 257.]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Madhyastha (मध्यस्थ):—[madhya-stha] (sthaḥ-sthā-sthaṃ) a. Centrical, middle. m. A mediator.
2) Mādhyastha (माध्यस्थ):—(sthaṃ) 1. n. Middle state.
[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 dictionaryMadhyastha (मध्यस्थ) [Also spelled madhyasth]:—(a) intermediate, situated in the middle, intermediary, medial; (nm) a mediator; middleman; ~[tā] mediation.
...
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusMadhyastha (ಮಧ್ಯಸ್ಥ):—
1) [adjective] being or acting in an intermediate position or location.
2) [adjective] not intense, strong extreme, etc.
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Madhyastha (ಮಧ್ಯಸ್ಥ):—
1) [noun] a man belonging to neither of the opposing parties.
2) [noun] a man being in between two persons or locations.
3) [noun] a man who arbitrates or settles in a friendly manner a dispute between two persons; an arbitrator or mediator.
4) [noun] (jain.) he who takes only the good or positive aspects from the naration about someone or something.
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Mādhyastha (ಮಾಧ್ಯಸ್ಥ):—
1) [adjective] intermediate or intervening; in between; middle.
2) [adjective] not controlled or influenced by or supporting, any single political party; not partisan.
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)
Partial matches: Madhya, Stha.
Starts with: Madhyastha-nirnaya, Madhyasthagara, Madhyasthagiri, Madhyasthaki, Madhyasthala, Madhyasthali, Madhyasthana, Madhyasthanadevata, Madhyasthata, Madhyasthate, Madhyasthavritti.
Ends with: Amadhyastha, Caramadhyastha, Ghatika-madhyastha, Nirmadhyastha, Padmamadhyastha, Pancagnimadhyastha, Panchagnimadhyastha, Puramadhyastha, Rathamadhyastha, Tanmadhyastha, Ubhayamadhyastha.
Full-text (+23): Madhyasthya, Madhyasthata, Madhyasth, Tatastha, Mattiyastam, Tanmadhyastha, Rathamadhyastha, Madhyasthagara, Madhyastha-nirnaya, Amadhyastha, Nirmadhyastha, Ghatika-madhyastha, Madhyasthaki, Madhyasthagiri, Vivekin, Stha, Madhyamastha, Nisrishta, Sandhivigraha-ppeṟu, Madhyavrati.
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Search found 29 books and stories containing Madhyastha, Mādhya-sthā, Madhya-sthā, Mādhya-stha, Madhya-stha, Mādhyastha, Mādhyasthā, Madhyasthā; (plurals include: Madhyasthas, sthās, sthas, Mādhyasthas, Mādhyasthās, Madhyasthās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Shrimad Bhagavad-gita (by Narayana Gosvami)
Verse 6.9 < [Chapter 6 - Dhyāna-yoga (Yoga through the Path of Meditation)]
Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary) (by Vijay K. Jain)
Verse 7.11 - The observances of Benevolence, Joy, Compassion and Tolerance < [Chapter 7 - The Five Vows]
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verse 8.13.38 < [Chapter 13 - A Thousand Names of Lord Balarāma]
Sankhayana-grihya-sutra (by Hermann Oldenberg)
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 202 - Bhartṛyajña’s Decision < [Section 1 - Tīrtha-māhātmya]
Chapter 203 - Purification of Nāgaras < [Section 1 - Tīrtha-māhātmya]
Bhajana-Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Mahasaya)
Text 32 < [Chapter 1 - Prathama-yāma-sādhana (Niśānta-bhajana–śraddhā)]