In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Saumyavadana (सौम्यवदन) refers to “one who resemble the moon”, and is used to describe Viṣṇu, according to 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 13.1-9, while describing the appearance and worship of Viṣṇu, in the form of Nārāyaṇa]—“[...] Or, he should meditate [on Nārāyaṇa] atop Garuḍa, Śrī at his side. [He should visualize Viṣṇu] very white and beautiful [with] three faces [that] resemble the moon (saumyavadana), six arms, decorated like Varāha Hari, [his hands] endowed with [the shapes of] wish-granting and protection. Śrī is of the same color and holds the same weapons, suitably beautiful and charming before the eyes of Devadeva. [...]”.

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.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: De Gruyter: A Fragment of the Vajrāmṛtamahātantra

Saumyavadanā (सौम्यवदना) refers to one of the eight wisdoms (vidyās) described in the ‘guhyamaṇḍala-karaṇābhinaya’ chapter of the 9th-century Vajrāmṛtatantra or Vajrāmṛtamahātantra: one of the main and earliest Buddhist Yoginītantras. The first chapter begins, in the fashion of the ‘explanatory tantras’ (vyākhyātantra), by stating that the actual teachings have already been imparted; the Goddess (Devī) Māmakī then asks for insights on the means to achieve (sādhana) the supreme Nectar of the Vajra (vajrāmṛta) [...] Afterwards, the text describes the door-guardians (dvārapāla) and the eight Wisdoms (vidyā) [viz., Saumyavadanā, etc.] which are located in the eight leaves of the lotus.

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vadana, Saumya.

Full-text: Guhyamandalakaranabhinaya.

Relevant text

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