Samsmara, Saṃsmara, Sam-smara: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Samsmara 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
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationSaṃsmara (संस्मर) (Cf. Smara) means “remembering”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.5.—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada:—“Then the couple [i.e., Menā and Himācala], with great devotion remembered [i.e., saṃsmara—saṃsmaraturbhaktyā] the goddess for her birth in order to carry out the work of the gods. Then the Goddess who formerly had cast off her body to spite her father, by means of her Yogic powers, desired to be born of the wife of the mountain. In order to make her own words true, the great goddess, who bestows everything desired, delightedly entered the mind of the mountain with all her constituent elements. [...]”.
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.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchSaṃsmara (संस्मर) refers to “bringing to mind (Brahma)”, according to the section on Pāśupatayoga in the Skandapurāṇa-Ambikākhaṇḍa verse 178.7-8.—Accordingly, “Then, having formed the [hand gesture called] Yogahasta in which the right [hand is placed] on the left, [the Yogin] should have his face slightly tilted down while looking at the tip of his nose, without touching the teeth [of his upper jaw] with those [of the lower], and bringing to mind (saṃsmara) Brahma [in the form of] the syllable om, the wise [Yogin], who is free from his ego, meditates [thus] after [having performed] breath control”.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Samsmaraka, Samsmarakatva, Samsmarana, Samsmaranasamcike, Samsmarane, Samsmaraniya, Samsmaraniyashobha, Samsmaranti, Samsmarat.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Samsmara, Saṃsmara, Sam-smara, Saṃ-smara; (plurals include: Samsmaras, Saṃsmaras, smaras). 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 1.2.72-75 < [Chapter 2 - Divya (the celestial plane)]
Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study) (by Lathika M. P.)
Debate with Maṇḍana Miśra (Same Ślokas) < [Chapter 4 - Similarities and Dissimilarities]