Spark: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Spark 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.

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

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

Sparks (of lightning) are associated with the Rainy season (Monsoon), which follows specific guidelines of ancient Indian Painting (citra), 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.—The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa gives some instructions to make the picture of every season beautiful and natural. As per the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, Varṣā i.e., the rainy season which is also known as monsoon period should be portrayed with the picture of birds hiding in the trees to get rid of rain, lions and tigers taking shelter in their caves, clouds, rainbow and sparks of lighting in the sky. [...] Thus, the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa addresses various elements of nature, such as sparks of lightning in the rainy season, since painting has much connection with time, mood and activity.

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

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Yoga (school of philosophy)

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

A Spark (resembling a point of fiery light) can be denoted by the Sanskrit term Sphuliṅga or Sphuliṅgavat (i.e., “spark-like”), 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. [...] By means of an absorption for two Kalās, with the moving about of Kuṇḍalinī, there arises in a flash a single trembling of [the Yogin's] mind. By means of an absorption of four Kalās, his sleep ceases. In his heart, the Yogin observes a point of fiery light like a spark (sphuliṅgavat). [...]”.

Yoga book cover
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).

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