Torture: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Torture means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. 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
Yoga (school of philosophy)
(Physical) Torture is denoted by the Sanskrit term Kleśa, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] [Though] one may with difficulty master the breath by various Mudrās which are based upon physical torture (kleśa-mūla); [though] one may control the flows [of the various vital airs] in all the channels located in one’s body; and though one may accomplish the dubious [act] of going into another's body, there is certainly no attainment of liberation for one whose happiness is solely attached to knowledge [of these]. [...]”.
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).
India history and geography
Tortures were commonly depicted on the Saṃsāracakra paintings (representing scenes of human life) in ancient India, as mentioned in the Kathās (narrative poems) such as Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—Page 185.21 f.: Here follows a description of a printed scroll illustrating the Jaina conception of saṃsāracakra. [...] The saṃsāra-cakra illustrated the three worlds of hell, human world and the world of gods. [For example:] then a way-farer captured by the robbers and subjected to various tortures, torments, splitting, hanging, scorching etc.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+521): Yatana, Yamayatana, Sampida, Yantrana, Upapidana, Atapana, Naraka, Toda, Drimph, Drimp, Zazi, Picch, Sankhamundika, Karana, Uracakka, Drip, Kadarthana, Kao lue, Kahapanaka, Udvejana.
Relevant text
Search found 238 books and stories containing Torture; (plurals include: Tortures). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 27 - Anarakeśvara (anaraka-īśvara-liṅga) < [Section 2 - Caturaśīti-liṅga-māhātmya]
Chapter 29 - The Great Efficacy of Anaraka Tīrtha < [Section 1 - Avantīkṣetra-māhātmya]
Chapter 5 - Rewards and Punishments Resulting from Previous Karmas < [Section 3b - Arunācala-khaṇḍa (Uttarārdha)]
Narada Purana (English translation) (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 15 - Bhagīratha Advised to Bring the Gaṅgā < [Part 1 - Pūrva-bhāga: Prathama-pāda]
Chapter 36 - Brahmā intercedes for Mohinī < [Part 5 - Uttara-bhāga]
Chapter 31 - The Duties of the Emissaries of Yama < [Part 1 - Pūrva-bhāga: Prathama-pāda]
Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4 (by Vihari-Lala Mitra)
Chapter XVI - Criticism on yoga practice < [The yoga philosophy]
Chapter LIX - Knowledge of the latent and inscrutable soul < [Book VI - Nirvana prakarana part 1 (nirvana prakarana)]
Chapter CXXII - The same. manu's admonition to ikshaku < [Book VI - Nirvana prakarana part 1 (nirvana prakarana)]
Heimskringla (by Snorri Sturlson)
Part 12 - Torture Of Sigurd Slembe < [Chapter XIV - Saga Of Sigurd, Inge, And Eystein, The Sons Of Harald]
Part 83 - Eyvind Kinrifa's Death < [Chapter VI - King Olaf Trygvason's Saga]
Part 39 - King Olaf's Miracle With A Prisoner < [Chapter XII - Saga Of Sigurd The Crusader And His Brothers Eystein And Olaf]
Dictionaries of Indian languages (Kosha)
Page 1142 < [English-Urdu-Hindi (1 volume)]
Page 891 < [English-Urdu-Hindi (1 volume)]
Page 564 < [Marathi-Hindi-English, Volume 1]
Markandeya Purana (by Frederick Eden Pargiter)