Sadacara, Sadācāra: 22 definitions
Introduction:
Sadacara means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, 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 Sadachara.
In Hinduism
Shaktism
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to the “right way of living”, according to Śrīmad Devī Bhāgavatam 11.24.—“If anybody practises this (right way of living) duly, according to rules, Śrī Mahāmāyā Durgā Devī becomes pleased with him”. If anybody desires to get the Devī Bhagavatī’s Grace, he should first of all set himself at once to practise this Sadācāra.
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to “right conduct”, according to texts such as the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Despite the so-called transgressive modalities of Kaula rites, the Kulārṇavatantra unambiguously preaches the observance of the precepts. There the god instructs clearly that: “the cause of Kuladharma, O Kuleśvarī, is not consecration, not mantra, not study of the scripture and the like; it is right conduct (sadācāra)”. Carrying out the teacher's command is the disciple’s duty and service to him is worship. One should practice Kaula ritual in accord with the teacher’s command
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.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Sadācāra (सदाचार).—(Good conduct). General information. Each country has good customary practices of its own. A man with good habits or behaviour is considered as having conquered the two worlds. The sound 'Sat' denotes 'Sādhus.' Sādhus are those who are without any bad conduct or behaviour. The habits and practices of the Sādhus are called Sadācāra. The Saptarṣis, (the seven hermits), the Prajāpatis (Lords of all creatures) and Manus (the fathers of men), were persons who were careful to keep up the good practices. Once the hermit Aurva advised Sagara, what the good usages of the people of Bhārata ought to be. The laws of good conduct according to hermit Aurva are given below: (See full article at Story of Sadācāra from the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani)
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to “good conduct”, as defined in the Śivapurāṇa 1.13, “A Brahmin endowed with strict adherence to good conduct (sadācāra) is perfectly wise. A Brahmin learned in Vedas and of good conduct is called a Vipra. A Brahmin endowed with only one of these two is a mere Dvija. A Brahmin following some of the prescribed rules of conduct and with a smattering of the Vedas is a Kṣatriya Brahmin, at best a royal servant. Very careless in following the rules of conduct the Brahmin is really a Vaiśya Brahmin. One engaged in agriculture and trading activities is also likewise. A Brahmin ploughing the field himself is a Śūdra Brahmin. One of envious and spiteful temperament is a degraded Dvija [...] It must be known that bad conduct leads to misery and good conduct (sadācāra) to happiness. Hence it is the duty of everyone to acquire virtue for the sake of worldly enjoyment as well as salvation”.
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.
Shaivism
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to one of the five principles of conduct (pañcācāra).—The Pañcācāra are liṅgācāra, sadācāra, śivācāra, gaṇācāra, and bhṛtyācāra.
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.
Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to:—Virtuous conduct. (cf. Glossary page from Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta).
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to—Appropriate conduct.
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’).
Ayurveda (science of life)
Sadācāra (सदाचार):—Well behaviour.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
1) Sadācāra (सदाचार) (lit. “virtuous conduct”) is the name of chapter 15 of the Śeṣasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 2800 Sanskrit verses narrated by Śeṣa (=Ananta) to Nārada and dealing primarily with the use of the appropriate mantras for various occasions such as jayantī celebrations.
[Description of the chapter sadācāra]: For the successful mastery of certain mantras, certain rules of behavior must be adopted as a way of life by initiates. These rules are discussed in this chapter. The treatment starts by tracing generally the initiates habits, from getting up in the morning (2), through his daily toilet, to his nitya and naimittika duties (up to 27). Then he is to draw a yantra-design, place himself over it and repeat the mantra of his choice, all the while meditating on the cosmic powers inherent in the mantra’s mysterious power (28-82a). The bulk of the chapter is given over to the detailed directions for the esoteric practice of mantrajapa-exercises the nyāsas (82b-149a), the purification of the self by prāṇāyāma-exercises (149b-172), the japa-repetitions as they are accompanied by mudrā-gestures, etc. (173-178), and how liturgical worship may or may not accompany these exercises (179-198). Further explanations are given more specifically on the sudarśana-narasiṃha-mantra (199 ff.), and on its prayogic effects (221-243). There follows a eulogy of one who undertakes to do this kind of disciplined action in regard to the sudarśana-narasiṃha-mantra (244-259a).
Prapatti is then discussed, and it is said that prapannas are of two kinds those who fall at the Lord’s feet petitioning for some boon [ārta], and those who worship and honor God out of a sense of duty and obedience [dṛpta], who are also referred to as those of knowledge (jñānins). The latter ones only are those who get salvation (259b-263). Bahyayoga and antaryoga are also touched upon, the former consisting of formal features like the bearing of the symbols of Viṣṇu (Śaṅkha, Cakra etc.) and the latter consisting of virtues like dispassion. Those who practise both these are alone to be called “true” Vaiṣṇavas (264-280). There follow some miscellaneous remarks about dress, habits and attitudes of both Brahmins and non-Brahmins (who would please the Lord?) (281-305).
2) Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to “behavior” (by which one pleases the Lord), as discussed in chapter 7 of the (third section of the) Bṛhadbrahmasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text containing over 4600 Sanskrit verses dealing primarily with Vaiṣṇava theology and practical matters concerning the Śrī-Vaiṣṇava community but also discussing aspects of Viśiṣṭādvaita philosophy.—Description of the chapter [sadācāra-nirūpaṇa]: The sages ask to know what is the secret behavior (sadācāra) by which they please the Lord. Brahmā then says he will list and discuss the duties of a Vaiṣṇava—what should be avoided and what must be cultivated. The aim is to promote Viṣṇu’s pleasure toward us, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to avoid sin (1-27). Then he commences to elaborate by turning to the daily routines from getting up in the morning to going to bed at night (28-211), including the morning toilet, the snāna-bath, some of the duties of morning meditation, etc.—up to a discussion of the gāyatrī-hymn to be used (193-211).
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.
Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to one of the topics discussed in the Ṛśyaśṛṅgasaṃhitā, an ancient Sanskrit text dealing with Mantraśāstra (instruction manuals for understanding and reciting mantras) which, being a Vaiṣṇava-oriented scripture, specifically deals with elaborate mantras of Viṣṇu and his incarnations, manifestations and consorts.—The term Sadācāra-ādi-nirūpaṇa is mentioned in Chapter 6 (ṣaṣṭhe'dhyāye) of the Ṛśyaśṛṅga-Saṃhitā. The complete entry reads: sadācārādinirūpaṇaṃ.
Sadācāra (सदाचार) refers to the “proper behavior” (in regard to mantra usage), as discussed in chapter 27-28 of the Lakṣmītantra: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 3600 Sanskrit verses exclusively devoted to Goddess Lakṣmī or Śrī (the consort of Viṣṇu) besides dealing with cosmology and practical regarding Vaishnava priests and temple-building programs.—Description of the chapter [sadācāra-prakāśa]: [...] A Pāñcarātra Brahmin should observe the duties that relate to each of the pañcakāla periods of the day-starting with abhigamana (1-23), moving on then to upādāna (24-25), ijyā (26-28), svādhyāya (29-37a) and yoga (37b-50). The chapter closes with an eulogy of those who observe these five clusters of pious activities daily throughout their lives (51-59).
Mantrashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, mantraśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mantras—chants, incantations, spells, magical hymns, etc. Mantra Sastra literature includes many ancient books dealing with the methods reciting mantras, identifying and purifying its defects and the science behind uttering or chanting syllables.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
sadācāra (सदाचार).—m (S) Good and right conduct or behaviour. 2 A good or proper practice, usage, fashion, custom. 3 The traditionary observances of the Hindu castes, as preserved in the land lying betwixt the rivers sarasvatī & dvaṣadvatī.
--- OR ---
sadācāra (सदाचार).—a S pop. sadācārī a That walks or behaves rightly or well; of correct deportment or demeanour.
sadācāra (सदाचार).—m Good and right conduct; a good practice.
--- OR ---
sadācāra (सदाचार) [-rī, -री].—a That behaves rightly; of correct department.
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
Sadācāra (सदाचार).—m.
(-raḥ) 1. The traditionary observances of the Hindu castes, as preserved in the land lying between the Saraswati and Drishadwati rivers. 2. Virtuous conduct. E. sat pure, virtuous, and ācāra observance.
Sadācāra (सदाचार).—1. [masculine] good conduct or observance.
--- OR ---
Sadācāra (सदाचार).—2. [adjective] well-conducted, virtuous.
1) Sadācāra (सदाचार) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—[dharma] B. 3, 136.
2) Sadācāra (सदाचार):—[dharma] Rgb. 261.
1) Sadācāra (सदाचार):—[=sad-ācāra] [from sad > sat] m. practice of good men, virtuous conduct, good manners, approved usage, [Manu-smṛti; Yājñavalkya; Kāvya literature] etc.
2) [v.s. ...] Name of [work]
3) [v.s. ...] mf(ā)n. well-conducted, virtuous, [Kathāsaritsāgara; Rājataraṅgiṇī] etc.
Sadācāra (सदाचार):—[sadā+cāra] (raḥ) 1. m. Traditionary observances; virtuous conduct.
Sadācāra (सदाचार):—1. (sant + ā) m. die Sitte der Guten, ein guter Wandel [Manu’s Gesetzbuch 2, 12. 18. 4, 155.] [Yājñavalkya’s Gesetzbuch 1, 7.] [Raghuvaṃśa 14, 37.] [Spr. (II) 2452.] vivarjana [3040.] [Rājataraṅgiṇī 3, 47. 4, 28. 73.] [Viṣṇupurāṇa 3, 11, 1. fgg.] [Mārkāṇḍeyapurāṇa 34, 5. fgg.] [Bhāgavatapurāṇa 6, 1, 21] (naṣṭa adj.). [Prabodhacandrodaja 35, 10.] [MUIR, Stenzler 4, 44, 4.] [Weber’s Verzeichniss 128], b [(17). 130], b [?(25). Oxforder Handschriften 13], a, [26. 16], b, [No. 60. 35], b, [32. 45], a, 2. 123, a, 41. vartin [Pañcatantra 40, 20.] krama m. Titel einer Schrift [Weber’s Indische Studien 1, 467.] candrodaya m. desgl. [Oxforder Handschriften 274], a, [No. 649.] prakaraṇa desgl. [HALL 142.] saṃgraha m. desgl. [Notices of Skt. Mss. 103.] smṛtivyākhyā f. desgl. [MACK. Coll. 1, 25.] Vgl. bahu .
--- OR ---
Sadācāra (सदाचार):—2. (wie eben) adj. (f. ā) die Sitte Guter befolgend, einen guten Wandel führend [Hemacandra’s Anekārthasaṃgraha 3, 64.] [Medinīkoṣa k. 117.] [Spr. (II) 1473. 4947, v. l. 6751.] [Kathāsaritsāgara 2, 7.] [Rājataraṅgiṇī 1, 198. 327.] [Prabodhacandrodaja 48, 4] (Gegens. durācāra).
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
Sadācāra (सदाचार) [Also spelled sadachar]:—(nm) morality, virtuous/moral conduct, rectitude; ~[ritā] morality, moral conduct; virtuousness, rectitude; ~[rī] righteous, moral; virtuous man, moralist; hence ~[riṇī] (feminine form).
...
Kannada-English dictionary
Sadācāra (ಸದಾಚಾರ):—
1) [noun] good behaviour; virtuous conduct.
2) [noun] one of the five religious practices, in which one observes truthfulness and deals with all beings with detached discrimination.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Nepali dictionary
Sadācāra (सदाचार):—n. good conduct; virtue;
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)
Partial matches (+0): Acara, Shash.
Starts with (+6): Sadacarabodhini, Sadacaracandrodaya, Sadacaracintana, Sadacaradharma, Sadacaradhvagamin, Sadacaradhvagamya, Sadacaradhvan, Sadacaradi, Sadacaradinirupana, Sadacarahnikavidhi, Sadacarakrama, Sadacarana, Sadacarani, Sadacaranirnaya, Sadacaranirupana, Sadacarapaddhati, Sadacaraprakarana, Sadacaraprakasha, Sadacarasamgraha, Sadacarasamriddhi.
Full-text (+39): Sadacaravidhi, Sadacaraprakarana, Bahusadacara, Sadacarasamriddhi, Sadacaradharma, Sadacaravarnana, Sadacaravivarana, Sadacaracintana, Sadacarapaddhati, Sadacaranirnaya, Sadacarasmriti, Sadacarakrama, Sadacarasamgraha, Sadacaracandrodaya, Sadacaravat, Sadacaranirupana, Sat, Sadachar, Sadacarasarasamgraha, Sadacarastutistotra.
Relevant text
Search found 63 books and stories containing Sadacara, Sadācāra, Sad-acara, Sad-ācāra; (plurals include: Sadacaras, Sadācāras, acaras, ācāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary) (by Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyana Gosvāmī Mahārāja)
Verse 2.3.171 < [Chapter 3 - Bhajana (loving service)]
Verse 1.2.11 < [Chapter 2 - Divya (the celestial plane)]
Verse 1.4.82 < [Chapter 4 - Bhakta (the devotee)]
Mahabharata (English) (by Kisari Mohan Ganguli)
Discovery of Sanskrit Treasures (seven volumes) (by Satya Vrat Shastri)
6.4. The concept of Acara or Sadacara (good conduct) < [Volume 7 - Society and Culture]
6.2. The concept of Dharma (righteousness) < [Volume 7 - Society and Culture]
Dictionaries of Indian languages (Kosha)
Page 140 < [Hindi-Malayalam-English Volume 2]
Page 995 < [Hindi-Malayalam-English Volume 1]
Page 153 < [Hindi-Malayalam-English Volume 3]
Hanuman Nataka (critical study) (by Nurima Yeasmin)
2. Religious Elements (a): Dharma < [Chapter 5]
Narada Purana (English translation) (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 24 - The Conduit of the Good and Approved usages (sadācāra) < [Part 1 - Pūrva-bhāga: Prathama-pāda]
Chapter 7 - The Glory of the Gaṅgā (continued) < [Part 1 - Pūrva-bhāga: Prathama-pāda]
Chapter 27 - The Religious Duties of the Householders, etc. < [Part 1 - Pūrva-bhāga: Prathama-pāda]