Shadvarsha, Shash-varsha, Ṣaḍvarṣa: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Shadvarsha 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.
The Sanskrit term Ṣaḍvarṣa can be transliterated into English as Sadvarsa or Shadvarsha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchṢaḍvarṣa (षड्वर्ष) (or Ṣaṭsaṃvatsara) refers to the “time period of six years”, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] [Now], I shall define the nature of that highest, mind-free absorption which arises for those devoted to constant practice. [...] [The Yogin] who has remained in absorption continuously for the past six years (ṣaṭsaṃvatsara) [ṣaḍbhiḥ saṃvatsarair bhūtaiḥ], [gains] the Siddhi of the wind-element. He becomes absorbed in the wind-element. [...]”.
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).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraṢaḍvarṣa (षड्वर्ष) refers to “six years” (of practicing asceticism), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 1.—Accordingly: “[The Buddha] practiced asceticism for six years (ṣaḍvarṣa) on the banks of the Ni lien chan (Nairañjanā) river; he ate only one sesame seed or one rice grain each day Nevertheless, he said to himself: ‘This way of life is not the good way’. Then the Bodhisattva gave up the practice of asceticism, went to the foot of the tree of enlightenment and sat down on the diamond seat. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Varsha, Shash, Sat.
Ends with: Pancashadvarsha, Trimshadvarsha.
Full-text: Deshiya.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Shadvarsha, Shash-varsha, Ṣaḍvarṣa, Ṣaṣ-varṣa, Sadvarsa, Sas-varsa, Shad-varsha, Ṣaḍ-varṣa, Sad-varsa; (plurals include: Shadvarshas, varshas, Ṣaḍvarṣas, varṣas, Sadvarsas, varsas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Part 1 - For what reasons did the Buddha preach Mahāprajñāpāramitāsūtra? < [Chapter I - Explanation of Arguments]