Samatva: 12 definitions
Introduction:
Samatva means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, 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 Samatv.
In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Samatva (समत्व) refers to “equilibrium”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “The aggregate, enveloped in bliss, functions within bliss. (Thus) there comes about the equilibrium (samatva) of the mind, which is the bliss of emission (udbhava). In the middle of that is the subtle Liṅga, the Divine Liṅga that faces downwards. It stands in the centre of the Supreme Sky, in the middle of the Circle of the Moon. The round form of the Point which the texts commonly refer to as an ‘unbroken circle’ (akhaṇḍa-maṇḍala), like its sky-like 'emptiness', similarly symbolizes the all-embracing nature of the core energy. [...]”.
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)
Samatva (समत्व) refers to “one who is in equilibrium”, according to the Guhyasūtra, the largest book of the Niśvāsa-corpus (a collection of early Śaiva Tantras comprising the Niśvāsamukha, Mūlasūtra, Uttarasūtra, Nayasūtra, and Guhyasūtra).—Accordingly, “I am Puruṣatattva and you are Prakṛti and also Niyati; … Maheśvara is Time; you are Māyā and Vidyā, while I am Īśvara-tattva. I, O goddess, am Sadāśiva [and] you are mistress of the 4 kalās. (137–138) Because I rule, I control, I am omniscient, because I am permanently at rest, without division and in equilibrium (samatva), I am Śiva. (139) You are my Will, not to be crossed, for you are the one from whom the power of the śaktis arises! The whole universe has sprung from you; You bestow Śiva-nature, O you of true compassion! (140)”.
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.
Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)
Samatva (समत्व, “equality”) refers to “equation”, according to the principles of Bījagaṇita (“algebra” or ‘science of calculation’), according to Gaṇita-śāstra, ancient Indian mathematics and astronomy.—The equation is called by Brahmagupta (628) in the Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta samakaraṇa or samīkaraṇa (making equal) or more simply sama (equation). Pṛthūdakasvāmī (860) in his commentary on the Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta employs also the term sāmya (equality or equation); and Śrīpati (1039) in the Siddhāntaśekhara uses sadṛśīkaraṇa (making similar). Nārāyaṇa (1350) in the Bījagaṇita uses the terms samīkaraṇa, sāmya and samatva (equality). An equation has always two pakṣa (side). This term occurs in the works of Śrīdhara, Padmanābha and others.
Ganita (गणित) or Ganitashastra refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
1) Samatva (समत्व) refers to “impartiality”, according to the Brahmayāmala-tantra (or Picumata), an early 6th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—Accordingly, while describing meditation (dhyāna) and samādhi: “[...] Therefore, [the Yogin] should perform meditation on the region in his heart, the navel, †[...]† [and] Bindu, [then] withdraw his mind into Śakti. In that way, an absorption [arises] in that no-mind, aspectless and highest state. He meditates in [that no-mind] state until impartiality (samatva) [arises] in regard to the object of meditation. O goddess, when his [higher] faculty of discernment has become impartial to all the Tattvas, it is here called samādhi, distinguished by absorption in those [Tattvas]”.
2) Samatva (समत्व) refers to “equanimity (of the mind)”, according to the Amaraughaprabodha: a short 13th century treatise on Yoga attributed to Gorakṣanātha which teaches the fourfold system of yoga (Mantra, Laya, Haṭha and Rāja).—Accordingly, “[...] When the mind has attained equanimity (samatva) and the breath moves into the central channel, [then] these Amarolī, Vajrolī and Sahajolī [Mudras] arise”.
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).
Shaiva philosophy
Samatva (समत्व) refers to “becoming equal to (Śiva)”, according to Bhaṭṭa Rāmakaṇṭha’s 10th-century Tattvatrayanirṇayavivṛti—a commentary on the 7th-century Tattvatrayanirṇaya by Sadyojyoti which discusses philosophical aspects of Śiva including the theories of Puruṣas (souls), Māyā (primal matter) and Mala (the innate impurity afflicting souls).—The term śiva-samatva refers to “equality with Śiva” or “the state of being like Śiva”. More specifically, śiva-samatva refers to the nature of liberation (mokṣa): true liberation is not understood as the soul merging into or becoming identical with Śiva, but rather as the soul (puruṣa) attaining the same status, qualities, and transcendence as Śiva, while retaining its individuality. This doctrine sets forth that liberated souls remain infinitely numerous and each one becomes equal to Śiva in power and purity, but does not lose its distinct selfhood.
Shaiva philosophy is a spritiual tradition within Hinduism that includes theories such as the relationship between the Atman (individual soul) and Siva, the nature of liberation (moksha), and the concepts of maya (illusion) and shakti (divine energy). Saiva philosophy teaches that union with Shiva can be achieved through knowledge, devotion, and spiritual practice. It encompasses major branches like Shaiva Siddhanta and Kashmir Shaivism.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Samatva (समत्व) refers to “equanimity”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “Having driven away anything tormenting the mind, you must practise equanimity (samatva—samatvaṃ bhaja) towards living beings, reflect upon the state of non-attachment [and] resort to purification of the mind”.
Synonyms: Samatā.
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
Sanskrit dictionary
Samatva (समत्व).—
1) Sameness, identity; समेत्य ते मन्त्रयितुं समतागतबुद्धयः (sametya te mantrayituṃ samatāgatabuddhayaḥ) Rām.2.2.2.
2) Likeness, similarity.
3) Equality; स्वजातेः समतां गतम् (svajāteḥ samatāṃ gatam) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 2.87.
4) Impartiality, fairness. समतां नी (samatāṃ nī) 'to treat as equal'; पश्चाद्दृश्येत यत्किंचित्तत्सर्वं समतां नयेत् (paścāddṛśyeta yatkiṃcittatsarvaṃ samatāṃ nayet) Manusmṛti 9.218.
5) Equanimity.
6) Perfectness.
7) Commonness.
8) Evenness.
Derivable forms: samatvam (समत्वम्).
See also (synonyms): samatā.
Samatva (समत्व).—[sama + tva], n. 1. Equality, Bhag, 2, 48. 2. Identity, [Pañcatantra] i. [distich] 468.
1) Samatva (समत्व):—[=sama-tva] [from sama] n. equality with ([instrumental case] or [genitive case]), [Kātyāyana-śrauta-sūtra; Vājasaneyi-saṃhitā; Prātiśākhya; Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhajjātaka] etc.
2) [v.s. ...] equanimity, [Hemacandra’s Yoga-śāstra]
3) [v.s. ...] uniform conduct towards ([locative case] or [compound]), [Bhagavad-gītā; Bhāgavata-purāṇa]
4) [v.s. ...] equableness, normal condition, [Suśruta]
5) Sāmatva (सामत्व):—[=sāma-tva] [from sāma > sāman] n. state or condition of (being) a S°, [Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa]
Samatva (समत्व):—(von 2. sama) n.
1) Gleichheit [Kātyāyana’s Śrautasūtrāṇi 1, 4, 18. 5, 8. 7, 1, 28.] [Prātiśākhya zur Vājasaneyisaṃhitā 1, 3.] [Spr. (II) 4613.] [GOL. TRIPR. 6.] samatvaṃ vraj [Varāhamihira’s Bṛhajjātaka 12, 3.] samatvameva (so lesen wir) vividuryudhyamānāḥ parasparam [Kathāsaritsāgara 44, 146.] mit instr.: gatā dhīrāste vibudhaiḥ samatvam [Mahābhārata 13, 1840.] [Spr. (II) 1137.] mit gen.: muneḥ samatvaṃ prāpya [Kathāsaritsāgara 49,228.] [Oxforder Handschriften 61,b,17.] —
2) ein gleiches Verfahren, - Benehmen [Bhagavadgītā 2, 48.] akhilajantuṣu [Bhāgavatapurāṇa 4, 11, 13.] tasmātsamatve vartasva pāṇḍaveṣvātmajeṣu ca [10, 49, 19.] in comp. mit der Ergänzung: sarvabhūta [3, 27, 7.] a ein ungleiches —, unfreundliches Benehmen [MAITRYUP. 40.] —
3) Gleichmässigkeit, ein richtiges —, normales Verhältniss: samatvāgatavīrya adj. [Suśruta 1, 126, 13.] — Vgl. samatā .
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Sāmatva (सामत्व):—n. nom. abstr. von sāman Gesang [The Śatapathabrāhmaṇa 14, 4, 1, 24.] [Aitareyabrāhmaṇa 3, 23.] [] zu [Chāndogyopaniṣad] [S. 65.]
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Samatva (समत्व):—
2) Gleichmuth [Hemacandra] [Yogaśāstra 1, 40. 4, 49. 109. 111.]
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
Samatva (समत्व) [Also spelled samatv]:—(nm) see [samatā].
...
Kannada-English dictionary
Samatva (ಸಮತ್ವ):—[noun] = ಸಮತಾಭಾವ [samatabhava].
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 (+0): Tva, Sama.
Full-text (+0): Nisamma, Samata, Nanabrahmasamatva, Asamatva, Matsamatva, Samatv, Shivasamatva, Impartiality, Sadhyasamatva, Equanimity, Shamya, Samakarana, Sadrishikarana, Sama, Akhandamandala, Akhanda, Samikarana, Udbhava.
Relevant text
Search found 42 books and stories containing Samatva, Sama-tva, Sāmatva, Sāma-tva; (plurals include: Samatvas, tvas, Sāmatvas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Brihat Jataka by Varahamihira [Sanskrit/English] (by Michael D Neely)
Verse 11.3 < [Chapter 11 - Raja Yoga]
Dictionaries of Indian languages (Kosha)
Page 364 < [Hindi-English-Nepali (1 volume)]
Page 229 < [Hindi-Marathi-English Volume 3]
Page 229 < [Hindi-Assamese-English Volume 3]
International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
Literary review of stress management through yogic science < [2021, Issue 1, January]
Rasayana yoga in rasa ratna samuchchaya: a review < [2023, Issue 07, July]
An observational study of samhanana as a measuring tool < [2014, Issue III May-June]
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 1 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 21 - Jaina Yoga < [Chapter VI - The Jaina Philosophy]
The Gita’s Ethics (A Critical Study) (by Arpita Chakraborty)
7. Co-relation of Varna-dharma with Sadharana and Svadharma < [Chapter 3 - Constituents of Moral Action: Dharma]
1. Road to Liberation according to the Gita (Introduction) < [Chapter 4 - Moral Action and Emancipation]
3. Elements of Sadharana Dharma < [Chapter 3 - Constituents of Moral Action: Dharma]
Hero as Sadhaka: Hindu Thought in Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” < [Jan. – Mar. 1991 & Apr. – Jun. 1991]
‘Bring Me Thy Failure’ < [July 1956]
‘Bring Me Thy Failure’ < [July 1956]