Sitting: 4 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Natyashastra
In Buddhism
1. Tibetan Buddhism
2. General definition
See also
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Introduction:

Sitting means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity. 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.

Images (photo gallery)

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In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

Sitting (in chariot or aeroplanes) is associated with Samapāda: one of the “six kinds of Standing Postures for Men” (in Indian Dramas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—Standing postures are determined separately for male and female. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa six kinds of standing postures are discussed for men. The word sama denotes the equal position. In samapāda position, both the legs are placed at a distance of one tāla. This posture is seen in the auspicious performance of Brahmins. This posture is also used to denote jumping of birds and sitting in chariot or aeroplanes.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Google Books: The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems

1) Sitting refers to one of the “Four Aspects” (of the Path of Conduct) which are known in Tibetan as spyod lam rnam bzhi.—Accordingly, [while describing the actions and conduct of subsequent holy Kadam beings]: According to the Lamp Illuminating Dharma History: “The Kadampas’ personal excellence: The short lineage from Geshé Dromtönpa was a lineage of men who were good and stable. [...] They made the Tripiṭaka a support for the special instructions, and they considered the special instructions to be related to the Four Aspects of the Path of Conduct [e.g., sitting]. They did not discuss the flaws in Dharmas or persons, nor did they listen to evil friends. [...]”.

2) (Abstention for twenty-four hours from) Sitting (on high beds or thrones) refers to one of the “The Eight-limbed Rule” (in Tibetan: yan lag brgyad pa'i khrims).—Accordingly [while describing the history of the Nyingma philosophical system and the age of Padmasambhava]—[...] Trisong Detsen invited the great pandit Śāntarakṣita to Tibet. The preceptor taught the ten virtues and the dharmas of the eighteen sense fields, and instituted the Eight-limbed Rule [e.g., abstention for twenty-four hours from sitting on high beds or thrones]. The powerful local gods did not like this, so the god Nyenchen Thanglha struck Red Mountain with lightning, [...].

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.

General definition (in Buddhism)

Source: A Buddhist Library: In This Very Life

Sitting refers to one of the Traditional Four Postures (used in any type of meditation).—Suitable and appropriate activities can bring about insight knowledge. Seven types of suitability should be met in order to create an environment that is supportive of meditation practice. [...] The seventh and last kind of suitability is that of posture. Sitting is best for samatha or tranquillity meditation. In the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw, vipassana practice is based on sitting and walking.

Relevant text

Search found 552 books and stories containing Sitting; (plurals include: Sittings). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

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