Sanjiva, aka: Sañjīva, Sañjiva; 5 Definition(s)

Introduction

Sanjiva means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Sañjīva (सञ्जीव) refers to the use of “living creatures” and represents one of the categories of nepathya, or “costumes and make-up”, according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 23. It can also be spelled as saṃjīva (संजीव). The perfection of Nepathya forms the main concern of the Āhāryābhinaya, or “extraneous representation”, a critical component for a successful dramatic play.

Sañjīva (सञ्जीव).—The entrance of animals in the stage is called sañjīva. Animals may be four-footed, two-footed and with no foot (apada). Of these, serpents are without foot, birds and men are two-footed, and different animals in the forest or in human settlements are known to be fourfooted.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., 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) and poetic works (kavya).

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Sañjīva (सञ्जीव).—A character in the Pañcatantra. (See under Pañcatantra).

context information

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.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

1. Sanjiva. One of the two chief disciples of Kakusandha Buddha (D.ii.4; J.i.42; Bu.xxiii.20). He was expert in samadhi, and lived in cells, caves, etc., sustaining himself on samadhi. One day, when in a state of trance in a forest, woodmen, thinking him dead, burnt his body, but he, emerging at the proper time from his trance, shook out his robes and entered the village for alms; hence his name, Sanjiva (Quick) (M.i.333; cf. DA.ii.417; MA.i.522; PSA.496). This feat is referred to as an example of samadhi vipphara iddhi. E.g., Vsm.380, 706; PS.ii.212; BuA.24, etc.

2. Sanjiva. A Niraya. Beings born there are subjected to numerous tortures, but contrive to survive them; hence the name. J.v.266, 270.

3. Sanjiva. A brahmin who could bring the dead to life; see the Sanjiva Jataka. He is identified with Ajatasattu. J.i.511.

General definition (in Buddhism)

1) Sañjīva (सञ्जीव) refers to the “reviving hell” and represents one of the “eight hot hells” (uṣṇa-naraka) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 121). It can also be spelled as Saṃjīva. The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (eg., sañjīva). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.

2) Sañjīva (सञ्जीव) refers to the “reviving hell” and represents one of the “seven lower regions” (pātāla ) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 123).

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