Sarvakarya, Sarvakārya, Sarva-karya: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Sarvakarya 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

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Sarvakarya in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Sarvakārya (सर्वकार्य) refers to “one who can do everything” and is used to describe Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.24 (“Śiva consents to marry Pārvatī”).—Accordingly, as Śiva said to Viṣṇu: “[...] O Indra, a man attains downfall even by conversing with a sensuous person. Great preceptors say that worldly enjoyment is a bitter beer mixed with sugar. Although I know and realise all these, although I have specific wisdom yet I shall accede to your request and make it fruitful. I am definitely subservient to my devotees. Hence I may do everything [i.e., sarvakārya]. I am known all over the three worlds as one who performs ill fitting things. [...]”.

Purana book cover
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.

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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Sarvakarya in Shaivism glossary
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Sarvakārya (सर्वकार्य) refers to “all that is to be done”, according to the Netratantroddyota commentary on 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 22.14]—“Praṇava is the universal pulse or throb that is unstruck, active ideation (verbalization that is not the result of contact with organs) which is like kalpa, the first acceptance of the cognition and action of all that is to be known and done (sarvakārya) for all living beings, because there could be no knowing and no doing without [praṇava]. [...]”.

Shaivism book cover
context information

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.

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In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Sarvakarya in Mahayana glossary
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Sarvakārya (सर्वकार्य) refers to “all enterprises”, according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [as the Bhagavān teaches various Nāga-enchantments], “[...] The image of five Nāga girls should be placed in a secret place. Flowers and incense should be offered. It should be kept in a calm place, without having been perceived; nobody should be offered a sight of it. It should be covered with a clean cloth. If there is need, it should be struck with mustard seeds enchanted 108 times. It will accomplish all enterprises (sarvakārya). [...]”

Mahayana book cover
context information

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.

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