Shilparya, Śilpārya, Shilpa-arya: 1 definition
Introduction:
Shilparya means something in Jainism, Prakrit. 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 Śilpārya can be transliterated into English as Silparya or Shilparya, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraŚilpārya (शिल्पार्य) refers to a sub-division of the Ārya classification of men born in Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.3 [ajitanātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.
Accordingly:—“In these 35 zones on this side of Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, men arise by birth; [...]. From the division into Āryas and Mlecchas they are two-fold. The Āryas have sub-divisions: kṣetra (country), jāti (caste), kula (family), karma (work), śilpa (craft), and bhāṣā (language). [...] They are Śilpāryas who have occupations of little blame, such as weavers, tailors, potters, barbers, and attendants on idols”.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Shilparya, Shilpa-arya, Śilpa-ārya, Silpa-arya, Śilpārya, Silparya; (plurals include: Shilparyas, aryas, āryas, Śilpāryas, Silparyas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 29: The people in the Manuṣyaloka < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]