Tamas: 15 definitions
Introduction
Tamas means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, 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.
In Hinduism
Dharmashastra (religious law)
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-śāstraTamas (तमस्).—One of the three guṇas, representing the quality of ignorance. These three qualities are to be seen as all-pervading and interpenetrating all beings. The Sanskrit word tamas is a technical term used throughout Dharmaśāstra literature such as the Manusmṛti.
According to the Manusmṛti XII.29: “What is mixed with stupefaction, undiscernible, of the nature of sensual objects, incapable of being reasoned about and uncognisable,—one should recognise as ‘tamas’”.
According to the Manusmṛti XII.33: “Avarice, drowsiness, irresolution, cruelty, disbelief, bad character, habit of begging, and inattentiveness are the characteristics of the quality of ‘tamas’”.
According to the Manusmṛti XII.35: “When, having done, or doing, or going to do a certain act, a man happen to feel ashamed,—every such act should be understood by the learned to be characterised by the quality of ‘tamas’”.
Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.
Samkhya (school of philosophy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Sāṃkhya philosophy1) Tamas (तमस्, “indifference”).—In the Sāṃkhya school of philosophy, tamas (darkness) is one of the three guṇas (or qualities), the other two being rajas (passion and activity) and sattva (purity, goodness). Tamas is the template for inertia or resistance to action. It has also been translated from Sanskrit as “indifference”.
2) Tamas (तमस्, “dullness”) is the first type of viparyaya (ignorance), according to the Sāṃkhya theory of evolution. Viparyaya refers to a category of pratyayasarga (intellectual products), which represents the first of two types of sarga (products) that come into being during tattvapariṇāma (elemental manifestations), which in turn, evolve out of the two types of pariṇāma (change, modification).
Samkhya (सांख्य, Sāṃkhya) is a dualistic school of Hindu philosophy (astika) and is closeley related to the Yoga school. Samkhya philosophy accepts three pramanas (‘proofs’) only as valid means of gaining knowledge. Another important concept is their theory of evolution, revolving around prakriti (matter) and purusha (consciousness).
Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)
Source: Shodhganga: Vaiyākaraṇabhūṣaṇasāra: a critical studyTamas (तमस्).—One of the three elements constituting all objects. The other two are sattva and rajas and the state of evenness of the three elements is neuterness.
Vyakarana (व्याकरण, vyākaraṇa) refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wikibooks (hi): Sanskrit Technical TermsTamas (तमस्).—Section of Earth's shadow cone at the Moon's distance. Note: Tamas is a Sanskrit technical term used in ancient Indian sciences such as Astronomy, Mathematics and Geometry.
Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia1) Tamas (तमस्).—A hell.
2) Tamas (तमस्).—One of the three qualities of the soul. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are the three qualities. It is through the union of these three qualities that the inner soul enters the life of all animate and inanimate objects. The attributes of Tamas are greed, sleep, bravery, cruelty disbelief in god, bad habits, begging and indifference. It is because of the action of tamoguṇa that one becomes a prey to lust. It is the worst result of tāmasic activities that people are born as inanimate objects, worms, insects, fishes, serpents, tortoises, cows and deer. As a better result of Tāmasic activities people are born as elephants, horses, Śūdras, barbarous people, lions, tigers and hogs. It is the good result of tāmasic deeds that produce pilgrims, good castes, egoistic people, demons and devils. (Chapter 2, Manusmṛti).
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationTamas (तमस्) refers to “darkness”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.15:—“[...] even as I [viz., Brahmā] stood desirous of creation, the Evil creation, viz. the set of five Illusions (avidyā) appeared before me. It was of the nature of darkness (tamas) endowed with knowledge. Then I created the chief creation (mukhyasarga) consisting of immobile beings with a delightful mind. At the bidding of Śiva, I continued my meditation in a detached spirit”.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
Mīmāṃsā (school of philosophy)
Source: Shodhganga: A study of Nyāya-vaiśeṣika categories (mimamsa)Tamas (तमस्, “darkness”).—According to Bhāṭṭa school of Mīmāṃsakas, tamas (darkness) is a dravya (substance). They opine that darkness has blue colour and movement. According to the definition of dravya, that which has quality and action is to be regarded as a dravya. Hence darkness is also a dravya, since it has the quality of blue colour and action. Moreover, tamas is not like any one of the five i.e., ākāśa, kāla, dik, ātmā and manas because of the absence of rūpa in them. It cannot be included in air as darkness does not possess touch and constant motion. Darkness cannot also be included in tejas because of the absence of bright colour and hot touch. It cannot come under water because of the absence of cold-touch. Similarly darkness is different from earth also, for earth has smell as its special quality and possesses the quality of touch. Both these are absent in darkness. Therefore, darkness (tamas) is to be accepted as the tenth substance (dravya).
Mimamsa (मीमांसा, mīmāṃsā) refers to one of the six orthodox Hindu schools of philosophy, emphasizing the nature of dharma and the philosophy of language. The literature in this school is also known for its in-depth study of ritual actions and social duties.
Nyaya (school of philosophy)
Source: Shodhganga: A study of Nyāya-vaiśeṣika categoriesTamas (तमस्, “darkness”).—Annaṃbhaṭṭa points out that darkness (tamas) cannot be the tenth substance. Darkness is only the negation of light. Annaṃbhaṭṭa argues that darkness cannot be regarded as a substance having colour. Though it is perceived by the eyes, it is perceived only when there is no light. But it is the general rule that in the visual perception of any substance having colour, light is a cause, while darkness is perceived only in the absence of light. There is no coexistence between darkness and light. Annaṃbhaṭṭa maintains that the experience as ‘Blue darkness moves’ is illusory. In his view, darkness is the absence of vivid and luminous light. Thus, tamas cannot be considered as a tenth substance and substance is only nine.
Nyaya (न्याय, nyaya) refers to a school of Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. The Nyaya philosophy is known for its theories on logic, methodology and epistemology, however, it is closely related with Vaisheshika in terms of metaphysics.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Source: WikiPedia: HinduismTamas is commonly associated with inertia, darkness, insensitivity. Souls who are more tamasic are considered imbued in darkness and take the longest to reach liberation.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 5: The category of the non-livingTamas (तमस्, “darkness”) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 5.24.—“Sound (śabda), union (bandha), fineness (saukṣmya), grossness (sthaulya), shape (saṃsthāna), division (bheda), darkness (tamas or andhakāra), image (chāya or chāyā), warm light (sunshine) (ātapa) and cool light (moonlight) (udyota) also (are forms of matter)”.
What is the meaning of darkness (tamas or andhakāra)? It is the opposite of light or absence of light.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryTamas (तमस्).—n. [tam-asun]
1) Darkness; किं वाऽभविष्यदरुणस्तमसां विभेत्ता तं चेत्सहस्रकिरणो धुरि नाकरिष्यत् (kiṃ vā'bhaviṣyadaruṇastamasāṃ vibhettā taṃ cetsahasrakiraṇo dhuri nākariṣyat) Ś.7.4.; V.1.7; Me.39.
2) The gloom or darkness of hell; धर्मेण हि सहायेन तमस्तरति दुस्तरम् (dharmeṇa hi sahāyena tamastarati dustaram) Ms.4.242.
3) Mental darkness, ignorance, illusion, error, मुनिसुताप्रणयस्मृतिरोधिना मम च मुक्त- मिदं तमसा मनः (munisutāpraṇayasmṛtirodhinā mama ca mukta- midaṃ tamasā manaḥ) Ś.6.8.
4) (In Sāṅ. phil.) Darkness or ignorance, as one of the three qualities or constitutents of every thing in nature (the other two being sattva and rajas); अन्तर्गतमपास्तं मे रजसोऽपि परं तमः (antargatamapāstaṃ me rajaso'pi paraṃ tamaḥ) Ku.6.6; Ms. 12.24.
5) Grief, sorrow; Bhāg.5.14.33.
6) Sin; Bhāg.1.15.5.
7) Stupefaction, swoon; तथा भिन्नतनु- त्राणः प्राविशद्विपुलं तमः (tathā bhinnatanu- trāṇaḥ prāviśadvipulaṃ tamaḥ) Rām.7.8.14.
8) Anger; Bhāg. 1.59.42. -m., -n. An epithet of Rāhu; तमश्चन्द्रमसीवेद- मुपरज्यावभासते (tamaścandramasīveda- muparajyāvabhāsate) Bhāg.4.29.7.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryTamas (तमस्).—n.
(-maḥ) 1. Third of the qualities incident to the state of humanity, the Tama guna, or property of darkness, whence proceed folly, ignorance, mental blindness, worldly delusion, &c. 2. Darkness, gloom. 3. Sin. 4. Sorrow, grief. mn.
(-māḥ-maḥ) Rahu or the personified ascending node: see rāhu. E. tam to be disturbed, and asun Unadi affix; that property by which the mind is troubled, the world perplexed, &c.; also tamasa and tama.
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family. Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with (+26): Tamahkanda, Tamahprabha, Tamahpravesha, Tamahsundari, Tamasa, Tamasaguni, Tamasalina, Tamasamanvantara, Tamasasarga, Tamasavana, Tamashagira, Tamashagiri, Tamasi, Tamasika, Tamasikarana, Tamasivritti, Tamaska, Tamaskalpa, Tamasopacara, Tamastati.
Ends with: Apantaratamas, Dirghatamas, Madhyatamas, Samtamas, Santamas, Stokatamas, Virajastamas, Vitamas.
Full-text (+149): Prakriti, Tamoguna, Tamoghna, Guna, Tamasika, Tamastati, Rajastamaska, Tamojyotis, Tamovikara, Tamahpravesha, Tamohara, Tamomani, Tamovrita, Tamobhid, Tamasa, Santamas, Tamobhuta, Santamasa, Mahakali, Tamaskalpa.
Relevant text
Search found 64 books and stories containing Tamas; (plurals include: Tamases). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)
Chapter 8 - On the Guṇas and their forms < [Book 3]
Chapter 9 - On the characteristics of the Guṇas < [Book 3]
Chapter 4 - On the Devas going to Mahā Deva < [Book 10]
Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi (by Ganganatha Jha)
Verse 12.81 < [Section IX - Details of Transmigration]
Verse 12.42-44 < [Section VIII - States of Existence due to the Three Qualities]
Verse 12.24 < [Section VII - The Three Guṇas]
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 3 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 5 - Self-Luminosity and Ignorance < [Chapter XXII - The Philosophy of Vijñāna Bhikṣu]
Part 8 - Bhikṣu’s criticism of the Sāṃkhya and Yoga < [Chapter XXII - The Philosophy of Vijñāna Bhikṣu]
Part 5 - Acit or Primeval Matter: the Prakṛti and its modifications < [Chapter XIX - The Philosophy of Yāmunācārya]
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 1 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 14 - The Tanmātras and the Paramāṇus < [Chapter VII - The Kapila and the Pātañjala Sāṃkhya (yoga)]
Part 10 - The Guṇas < [Chapter VII - The Kapila and the Pātañjala Sāṃkhya (yoga)]
Part 11 - Prakṛti and its Evolution < [Chapter VII - The Kapila and the Pātañjala Sāṃkhya (yoga)]
The Brahmanda Purana (by G.V. Tagare)
Chapter 4 - Constitution of the world (The Cosmic Egg) < [Section 1 - Prakriyā-pāda (section on rites)]
Chapter 9 - The progeny of Rudra: birth of Bhṛgu and others < [Section 2 - Anuṣaṅga-pāda]
Chapter 4 - Re-creation of the Cosmic Egg < [Section 4a - Upasaṃhāra-pāda]
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)