Shadow: 1 definition

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In Hinduism
1. Yoga
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Introduction:

Shadow 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.

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In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

1) (That which is) Shadow is denoted by the Sanskrit term Chāya (as opposed to Acchāya—‘shadowless’), according to the Bṛhadāraṇyikopaniṣat 3.8.6.—Accordingly, while describing the absolute nature of Brahma: “Gārgi said, ‘Yājñavalkya, that which is above the sky, below the earth, between the two and called [past, present and future], is stitched and cross-stitched in what?’ Yājñavalkya said, ‘Gārgi, the Brahmins call that very [thing] the imperishable one. [e.g., It is shadowless (acchāya) [...]’”.

2) The Shadow (of Aghorī) can be seen, as part of the powers granted to one following certain Yoga practices, according to the Brahmayāmala-tantra (or Picumata), an early 7th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—Accordingly, [while describing a haṭha-sādhana (foreceful practice)]: “[When the Sādhaka] remains [in the hole] for up to one day, he is freed from all sins. [...] On the eighth day, the Sādhaka sees the shadow (chāya) of Aghorī. Thus content, she gives [a boon, saying to the Sādhaka], ‘Good, my dear! Choose a boon: either lord of the earth, immortality, levitation, [entry into the] netherworlds, coming and going through the sky, invisibility, the elixir of mercury, the wish-fulfilling gem, the [magical] sword, the [seven-league] sandals or the [occult] eye collyrium [...]’ [...]”.

context information

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).

Relevant text

Search found 266 books and stories containing Shadow; (plurals include: Shadows). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Verse 2.3.10 < [Chapter 3 - Bhajana (loving service)]

Verse 2.4.179 < [Chapter 4 - Vaikuṇṭha (the spiritual world)]

Verse 2.4.180 < [Chapter 4 - Vaikuṇṭha (the spiritual world)]

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Verse 1.2.209 < [Chapter 2 - The Lord’s Appearance]

Verse 1.13.103 < [Chapter 13 - Defeating Digvijayī]

Verse 3.5.523 < [Chapter 5 - The Pastimes of Nityānanda]

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Verse 2.4.17 < [Chapter 4 - The Liberation of Vatsāsura]

Verse 6.1.21 < [Chapter 1 - Jarāsandha’s Defeat]

Verse 1.16.25 < [Chapter 16 - Description of Śrī Rādhikā’s Wedding]

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