Sword: 7 definitions
Introduction:
Sword means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity, 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.
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In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
The (Magical) Sword refers to one of the boons (granted by Aghorī), forming 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 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 (khaḍga), the [seven-league] sandals or the [occult] eye collyrium [...]’ [...]”
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 Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Sword refers to one of the various attributes held by the Eight auspicious Girls (representing the eight celestial nymphs of Indra’s heaven) (also: aṣṭakanyā), according according to “A Cultural note on the Kuvalayamala of Uddyotanasuri” by the late Dr. V. s. Agrawala.—It is stated in the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa (Sundara-kāṇḍa 18.11-4) that these eight auspicious girls moved in the train of Rāvaṇa holding respectively: i) a golden lamp; ii) fly-whisk; iii) fan-palm; iv) golden water-pot; v) sword; vi) rolled-up seat; vii) platter of gems; viii) parasol with golden star. These were depicted on the railing pillars at Mathura during the Kushan period some of which were obtained from the Jaina Kankali Tila and others from Buddhist Stūpa, they being accepted in both religions as auspicious.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches (+0): The, The, Sword, Te.
Starts with (+0): Sword aloe, Sword bean, Sword brake, Sword fern, Sword grass, Sword leaf, Sword lily, Sword-leaf flax-lily, Swordgrass, Swordleaf rush, Swordlike atractylodes, Swordsmanship.
Full-text (+3452): Khadga, Acci, Nandaka, Asidhara, Rishti, Asipatra, Asilata, Candrahasa, Tsaru, Shastra, Kripana, Asipatravana, Mandalagra, Paranja, Kauksheyaka, Sayaka, Khadgahasta, Nistrimsha, Zhi hui jian, Mekhala.
Relevant text
Search found 466 books and stories containing Sword, The sword, Swords; (plurals include: Swords, The swords, Swordses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Military System in Northern India (study) (by Prabhakar Tyagi)
Part 4 - Swords (in ancient Indian warfare) < [Chapter 4 - Arms and Armour]
Part 2 - Classification of Weapons (in ancient India) < [Chapter 4 - Arms and Armour]
Part 3 - Three-fold division of the Army < [Chapter 2 - Composition of the Army]
Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)
Chapter 245 - The characteristics of the royal fan (cāmara-lakṣaṇa)
Chapter 252 - The mode of wielding the swords, maces etc.
Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka (by I. B. Horner)
The story of Dīghāvu < [10. The monks from Kosambī (Kosambaka)]
Second recitation section < [17. Schism in an Order (Saṅghabheda)]
A critical analysis of Orissan Martial Arts (by Shyam Sudar Rath)
Part 8 - Physical education during the Muslim and Maratha period < [Chapter 2 - Review of related literature]
Part 2 - Martial arts exercises, positions and techniques of Orissa < [Chapter 3 - Methodology]
Part 3 - Description of Weapons of Orissa < [Chapter 3 - Methodology]
Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Part 4 - The Story of Dighavu < [Chapter 27b - The Buddha’s Ninth Vassa at Kosambī]
Buddha Chronicle 24: Kassapa Buddhavaṃsa < [Chapter 9 - The chronicle of twenty-four Buddhas]
Chapter 3 - Seeing the Four Great Omens < [Volume 2.1]
Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga (by T. W. Rhys Davids)
Mahavagga, Khandaka 10, Chapter 2 < [Khandaka 10 - Schisms among the Samgha]