Upaya, Ūpāya, Upāyā, Upāya, Upayā: 35 definitions

Introduction:

Upaya means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi. 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Upay.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: bhagavadgitausa.com: Kashmir Saivism

Upāyas: Means. The soul needs the means to get rid of the Malas, obtain Anugraha or Grace of Siva and gain an entry into the Universal Siva Consciousness from the state of limited individual consciousness. Spiritual discipline is the centerpiece of this effort. It is also called Avesa (absorption in Siva). Abhi is of the opinion that an individual to should try and use Sambhavopaya the highest means first for realizing God Consciousness. Barring its success, one should proceed to the next best and so on. This list I have given goes from the lowest to the highest with Anupaya being in the epicenter of God realization. This entry is Samvesa.

There are four upayas or means: There are actually four entities that one can meditate on: the individual Body, the evolutes of Sakti, Siva Himself and Null means. They are respectively

  1. Anavopaya,
  2. Saktopaya,
  3. Sambhovopaya,
  4. Anupaya.

Progression from the first to the third is pAramparika.

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Upāya (उपाय, “method”) refers to the “(three) approaches” (i.e., ‘the three yogic methods’), according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 6.6-8]—“The method (upāya) is threefold: gross (sthūla), subltle (sūkṣma), and highest (para). The sthūla [method consists of] sacrifice, oblation, mantra recitation, [and] meditation, together with mudrās, the mohanayantras, and so forth. The king of mantras [i.e., oṃ juṃ saḥ] brings about [relief]. The sukṣma [method contains] yoga of the cakras, etc., and by upward momentum [of breath] through the channels. The para [method], is Mṛtyujit, which is universal and bestows liberation”.

Shaivism book cover
context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Shaivism from relevant books on Exotic India

Ayurveda (science of life)

Source: Shodhganga: Ayurveda siddhanta evam darshana

Upaya (उपय) has been defined by Charaka as vidhi or methodology of chikitsa is Upaya. In the context of dashavidha-parikshya-bhavas Charaka has defined upaya in context of supremacy of bhishak. Dictionary meanings of Upaya are excellence, goodness, suppleness or extreme skilfulness.

Upaya is excellence of physician and pharmacist etc. and their proper arrangement, it is characterized by (physicians etc.). endowed with their respective qualities and proper application of the therapy along with (the consideration) of place, time, dose, suitability, processing etc. which are the factors leading to success.

Source: gurumukhi.ru: Ayurveda glossary of terms

1) Upāya (उपाय):—[upāyaḥ] Methods , techniques

2) [upāyaḥ] Mode and mechanism of drug action

Ayurveda book cover
context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Ayurveda from relevant books on Exotic India

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Upāya (उपाय).—See under Caturupāya.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Upāya (उपाय) refers to “activities”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.16 (“Brahmā consoles the gods”).—Accordingly, as the Gods said to Brahmā: “[...] You are our final resort. You are our ruler, creator, and protector. But we are scorched in the fire of the name Tāraka. We are extremely agitated. Our ruthless activities [i.e., upāya] against him have turned out to be weak and ineffective, even as medicinal herbs of great potency are rendered ineffective in an ailment brought about by the combination of all deranged humours. We had some hope of victory in Sudarśana the discus of Viṣṇu. But even that discus has become ineffective in his neck where it has fallen as though it were a floral offering to a deity”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1) Upaya (उपय).—Śveta Parāśara group.*

  • * Matsya-purāṇa 201. 36.

2) Upāyā (उपाया).—Seven in number: sāma, bheda, daṇḍa, dāna, upekṣā, māyā and indrajāla Acts done with upāyās become fruitful.*

  • * Matsya-purāṇa 222. 1-3; Vāyu-purāṇa 62. 158.
Purana book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Purana from relevant books on Exotic India

Nyaya (school of philosophy)

Source: academia.edu: Religious Inclusivism in the Writings of an Early Modern Sanskrit Intellectual (nyaya)

Upāya (उपाय) or Abhyupāya (Cf. Jayantabhaṭṭa) refers to the “means” (e.g., taught by various āgamas—scriptures), according to Jayanta Bhaṭṭa (ninth–tenth century), the great Naiyāyika from Kashmir, who was a close reader of Kumārila’s work.—In the [Nyāyamañjarī], Jayanta presents another, more inclusivist position according to which all religious scriptures are equally valid (sarvāgamaprāmāṇya). The imagined proponent of this view compares, in a way akin to neo-Hindus, the many means (abhyupāya) taught by the various distinct āgamas to the streams (pravāha) of the Ganges that flow into the same ocean. Although they differ in terms of their object of knowledge (jñānaviṣaya), all āgamas converge upon the same summum bonum (upeya) taught in all śāstras―final liberation (apavarga)―and also agree that knowledge is the only means (upāya) to achieve this goal.

Nyaya book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Nyaya from relevant books on Exotic India

Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Upāya (उपाय) refers to a type of battle (warfare) policy, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “We shall now proceed to give a brief description of (the qualifications of) a jyotiṣaka. [...] He must be able to interpret the language and gestures of fighting men [i.e., senā] and the like; he must be learned in the Ṣaḍguṇa and Upāya policies; [...]”.

Upāya are four—

  1. Sāma or reasoning with,
  2. Dāna or gift,
  3. Bheda or bringing about dissension among the enemies,
  4. Daṇḍa or punishment.
Jyotisha book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Jyotisha from relevant books on Exotic India

Arthashastra (politics and welfare)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (artha)

Upāya (उपाय) refers to the “means (to counteract divine and human adversities)”, according to the Arthaśāstra verse 1.9.9-10.—Accordingly, “He should appoint as chaplain a man who comes from a very distinguished family and has an equally distinguished character, who is thoroughly trained in the Veda together with the limbs, in divine omens, and in government, and who could counteract divine and human adversities through Atharvan means (upāya). He should follow him as a pupil his teacher, a son his father, and a servant his master”.

Arthashastra book cover
context information

Arthashastra (अर्थशास्त्र, arthaśāstra) literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Arthashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Upāya (उपाय) refers to the “means (of mantra, meditation, austerity)”, according to the Kubjikāmata-tantra, the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “(None can) see supreme Śambhu by means (upāya) of mantra, meditation, austerity, right conduct and the many kinds of Yogas, as long as he does not serve (his) teacher. Even if one meditates constantly on my form as (he has been) taught by the teacher, (he does not) really (experience) any Śāmbhava bliss there until he possess the Command and, b is of good disposition has (the teacher’s) feet on (his) head. Until (that happens) the mark of the qualities of the invisible (supreme being) does not arise with any speed”.

Shaktism book cover
context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Shaktism from relevant books on Exotic India

Yoga (school of philosophy)

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

Upāya (उपाय) refers to the “method (of reaching the state)” (of liberation), according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, “With palms held together, Vāmadeva bowed his head to the God and asked, ‘tell [us] the means (upāya) to the state of liberation while living?’ [...]’”.

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).

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Yoga from relevant books on Exotic India

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: Red Zambala: On the Salvific Activities of God

Upāyas are stratagems for worldly success and achieving one’s goals or self-initiated methods for attaining Liberation recommended by the Scriptures such as Bhakti, Jñana and Karma Yoga, pilgrimages, austerities, and other spiritual practices.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: archive.org: The Indian Buddhist Iconography

Upāya (उपाय, “means”) refers to the “process of various experiences through which the Sādhaka has to pass before the deity is realised and visualised”.—The Guhyasamāja (chapter 18) calls this process Upāya (means) which is recognised as of four kinds.

The four upāyas are:—

  1. Sevā (worship),
  2. Upasādhana,
  3. Sādhana,
  4. Mahāsādhana.

Sevā (worship) is again sub-divided into two, namely, Sāmānya (ordinary) and Uttama (excellent). Of these two, the Sāmānya-sevā consists of four Vajras: first, the conception of Śūnyatā; second, its transformation into the germ-syllable; third, its evolution in the form of a deity, and the fourth, the external representation of the deity.

Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka Maṇḍala

Upāya (उपाय) is the name of a Vīra (hero) who, together with the Ḍākinī named Icchāsiddhi forms one of the 36 pairs situated in the Vajracakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the vajracakra refers to one of the four divisions of the sahaja-puṭa (‘innate layer’), situated within the padma (lotus) in the middle of the Herukamaṇḍala. The 36 pairs of Ḍākinīs and Vīras [viz., Upāya] each have one face and four arms; they hold a skull bowl, a skull staff, a small drum and a knife; they are dark-bluish-black in color.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Upāya (उपाय) refers to “(skillful) means”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] Then, the bodhisatva, the great being, Gaganagañja addressed himself to the Lord: [...] (23) [How are Bodhisattvas] skilled in knowing the entrance into the dependent origination, and free from all views of two extremes? (24) [How do the Bodhisattvas see] the suchness without any differentiation between knowledge (jñāna) and skillful means (upāya-kauśalya) as sealed with the seal of the Tathāgata? [...]’”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

General definition (in Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgraha

1) Upāya (उपाय, “skilful means”) or upāyapāramitā represents the seventh of the “ten perferctions” (daśapāramitā) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 18). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., daśa-pāramitā and upāya). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.

2) Upāya (उपाय) also refers to the “manifold means” as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 111):

  1. sarva-sattvāvabodhaka (that which understands all beings),
  2. sattvārthābhāvaka (that which develops the welfare of beings),
  3. kṣipra-sukhābhisambodhi (that which awakens quickly and pleasantly).

India history and geography

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Upāya.—(EI 6, 25), four in number; ‘four’. Cf. catur-upāya (SII 1). (SITI), probably, minor taxes. Note: upāya is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

India history book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of India history from relevant books on Exotic India

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

upaya : (m.) attachment. || upāya (m.), way; means; resource.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Upāya, (fr. upa + i, cp. upaya) approach; fig. way, means, expedient, stratagem S. III, 53 sq. , 58; D. III, 220 (°kosalla); Sn. 321 (°ññū); J. I, 256; Nd2 570 (for upaya); PvA. 20, 31, 39, 45, 104, 161; Sdhp. 10, 12. 350, 385.—Cases adverbially; Instr. upāyena by artifice or means of a trick PvA. 93; yena kenaci u. PvA. 113.—Abl. upāyaso by some means, somehow J. III, 443; V, 401 (= upāyena C.). ‹-› anupāya wrong means J. I, 256; Sdhp. 405; without going near, without having a propensity for S. I, 181; M. III, 25.

— or —

Upaya, (fr. upa + i, cp. upāya) approach, undertaking, taking up; clinging to, attachment, only as adj. (-°) in an° (anûpaya metri causā) not going near, aloof, unattached S. I, 141, 181; II, 284; Sn. 786, 787, 897 (cp. SnA 558); and in rūpûpaya (vv. ll. rūpupaya & rūpupāya) “clinging to form” (etc.) S. III, 53 = Nd1 25 = Nd2 570 (+ rup’ārammaṇa). (Page 145)

— or —

Ūpāya, at DhA. II, 93 stands for upāya. (Page 158)

Pali book cover
context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Pali from relevant books on Exotic India

Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

upāya (उपाय).—m (S) A remedy, a resource, a measure: also a scheme, contrivance, expedient, device, stratagem.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

upāya (उपाय) [-va, -व].—m A remedy, a resource. A scheme.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Marathi from relevant books on Exotic India

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Upaya (उपय).—1 U.

1) To marry, take a wife (Ā. in this sense); भवान् मिथः समयादिमामुपायंस्त (bhavān mithaḥ samayādimāmupāyaṃsta) Ś.5; आत्मानुरूपां विधिनोपयेमे (ātmānurūpāṃ vidhinopayeme) Kumārasambhava 1.18; R.14.87; Śiśupālavadha 15.27; Manusmṛti 3.11; Bhaṭṭikāvya 4.2, 28;7.11.

2) (a) To seize, hold; उपयच्छ शूर्पम् (upayaccha śūrpam) Av.; उपायंस्त महास्त्राणि (upāyaṃsta mahāstrāṇi) Bhaṭṭikāvya 15.21; शस्त्राण्युपायंसत जित्वराणि (śastrāṇyupāyaṃsata jitvarāṇi) 1.16. (b) To take, receive, accept; कोपात्काश्चित्प्रियैः प्रत्तमुपायंसत नासवम् (kopātkāścitpriyaiḥ prattamupāyaṃsata nāsavam) Bhaṭṭikāvya 8.33.

3) To show, indicate (sūc); मोपयध्वं भयम् (mopayadhvaṃ bhayam) Bhaṭṭikāvya 7.11.

4) To lie under, support, prop up (Ved.).

5) To go to (a woman); एतास्तिस्रस्तु भार्यार्थे नोपयच्छेत्तु बुद्धिमान् (etāstisrastu bhāryārthe nopayacchettu buddhimān) Manusmṛti 11.172.

6) To curb, restrain.

Derivable forms: upayam (उपयम्).

--- OR ---

Upayā (उपया).—2 P.

1) To approach, go towards, reach; उपयामगृहीतोऽसि (upayāmagṛhīto'si) Ts.1.4.15. येन मामुपयान्तिते (yena māmupayāntite) Bhagavadgītā (Bombay) 1.1. so पुरम्, गतिम्, नयनम्, पदवीम् (puram, gatim, nayanam, padavīm); दुर्मन्त्रिणं कमुपयान्ति न नीतिदोषाः (durmantriṇaṃ kamupayānti na nītidoṣāḥ) H.3.11.

2) To attain to a particular state, meet with &c.; तनुताम्, मृत्युम्, रुजम्, पाकम्, प्रसादम् (tanutām, mṛtyum, rujam, pākam, prasādam) &c.

--- OR ---

Upāya (उपाय).—See under उपे (upe).

Derivable forms: upāyaḥ (उपायः).

See also (synonyms): upāyana.

--- OR ---

Upāya (उपाय).—(a)

1) Means, an expedient, remedy; शक्योवाप्तुमुपायतः (śakyovāptumupāyataḥ) Bhagavadgītā (Bombay) 6.36. उपायं चिन्तयेत्प्राज्ञस्तथापायं च चिन्तयेत् (upāyaṃ cintayetprājñastathāpāyaṃ ca cintayet) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1.46; मयि क्षीणोपाये प्रणिपतनमात्रैकशरणे (mayi kṣīṇopāye praṇipatanamātraikaśaraṇe) Amaruśataka 25; Bhāgavata 1.48.2; Manusmṛti 8.48,7.177. (b) A plan, contrivance; °निलया (nilayā) Mu.1.5. (c) A mode, way, stratagem. उपायेन तु यच्छक्यं न तच्छक्यं पराक्रमैः (upāyena tu yacchakyaṃ na tacchakyaṃ parākramaiḥ) | H.

2) A fact, circumstance; Uttararāmacarita 7.

3) Beginning, commencement.

4) Effort, exertion; वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः (vaśyātmanā tu yatatā śakyo'vāptumupāyataḥ) (yogaḥ) Bhagavadgītā (Bombay) 6.36; Manusmṛti 9.248;1.2.

5) A means of success against an enemy; (these are four:sāman conciliation or negotiation, dānam bribery; bhedaḥ sowing dissensions; and daṇḍaḥ punishment (open attack); some authorities add three more :माया (māyā) deceit; उपेक्षा (upekṣā) trick, deceit or neglect; इन्द्रजाल (indrajāla) conjuring, thus making the total number 7); चतुर्थोपायसाध्ये तु रिपौ सान्त्वमपक्रिया (caturthopāyasādhye tu ripau sāntvamapakriyā) Śiśupālavadha 2.54; सामादीना- मुपायानां चतुर्णामपि पण्डिताः (sāmādīnā- mupāyānāṃ caturṇāmapi paṇḍitāḥ) Manusmṛti 7.19.

6) Joining (as in singing).

7) Approach.

8) Initiation, thread ceremony (= upanayana); अपि वा वेदतुल्यत्वाद् उपायेन प्रवर्तेरन् (api vā vedatulyatvād upāyena pravarteran) MS.6.2.22 (where śabara explains upāyena pravarteran as upa- nayanena saha pravarteran |).

Derivable forms: upāyaḥ (उपायः).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Dictionary

Upāya (उपाय).—m. (= Sanskrit), means: three, Dharmasaṃgraha 111, sarvasattvāvabodhakaḥ, sattvārthābhāvakaḥ, kṣiprasu- khābhisaṃbodhiḥ; six, of a Bodhisattva, for sattvārthasyā- bhiniṣpattaye, Bodhisattvabhūmi 264.7—9; ānulomiko vibandhasthāyī visabhāgāśayaḥ avaṣṭambhajaḥ kṛtapratikṛtikaḥ viśuddhaś ca ṣaṣṭha upāyaḥ. (They are explained in great detail.)

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Upāya (उपाय).—m.

(-yaḥ) 1. A means, an expedient, a way. 2. A means of success against an enemy; four are usually enumerated, as, sowing dissension, chastisement, conciliation and gifts. 3. Approaching, approach. E. upa and āṅ before iṇ to go, affix ghañ.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Upāya (उपाय).—i. e. upa-i + a, m. 1. Approach, [Bhartṛhari, (ed. Bohlen.)] 3, 10. 2. Means of success, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 7, 177. 3. An expedient in general, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 9, 110. 4. Craft, Böhtl. Ind. Spr. 498.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Upāya (उपाय).—[masculine] approach, way to or of, means, expedient, stratagem; upāyena & upāyatas in a clever way, by stratagem.

--- OR ---

Upāyā (उपाया) or Abhyupāyā or Samupāyā.—the same.

Upāyā is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms upā and (या).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Upayā (उपया):—[=upa-√yā] [Parasmaipada] -yāti ([infinitive mood] -yai, opposed to ava-yai See ava-√yā) to come up, [Ṛg-veda viii, 47, 12];

—to come near, go near or towards, approach (for protection), visit, frequent, [Ṛg-veda; Atharva-veda; Āśvalāyana-gṛhya-sūtra; Mahābhārata; Bhāgavata-purāṇa; Kathāsaritsāgara] etc.;

—to approach (a woman for sexual intercourse), [Mahābhārata; Rāmāyaṇa] etc.;

—to arrive at, reach, obtain, to get into any state or condition, [Mahābhārata; Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā; Raghuvaṃśa] etc.;

—to occur, befall, [Hitopadeśa];

—to give one’s self up to, [Viṣṇu-purāṇa]

2) Upāya (उपाय):—a etc. See p. 215, col. 2.

3) Upāyā (उपाया):—[=upā-√yā] [Parasmaipada] -yāti, to come near or towards, approach, [Ṛg-veda; Mahābhārata; Bhāgavata-purāṇa; Kathāsaritsāgara] etc.;

—to come into any state or condition, undergo, [Mārkaṇḍeya-purāṇa; Kirātārjunīya]

4) Upāya (उपाय):—[from upe] b m. coming near, approach, arrival, [Bhartṛhari]

5) [v.s. ...] that by which one reaches one’s aim, a means or expedient (of any kind), way, stratagem, craft, artifice, [Mahābhārata; Manu-smṛti; Yājñavalkya; Pañcatantra] etc.

6) [v.s. ...] ([especially]) a means of success against an enemy (four are usually enumerated, sowing dissension, negotiation, bribery, and open assault)

7) [v.s. ...] joining in or accompanying (in singing), [Śāṅkhāyana-śrauta-sūtra]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Upāya (उपाय):—[upā+ya] (yaḥ) 1. m. Means; a means of success against an enemy.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Upayā (उपया) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Uvayā, Uvāya.

[Sanskrit to German]

Upaya in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). 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.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Sanskrit from relevant books on Exotic India

Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

Upāya (उपाय) [Also spelled upay]:—(nm) way, measure; device; cure, remedy.

context information

...

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Hindi from relevant books on Exotic India

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Upāya (ಉಪಾಯ):—

1) [noun] a coming closer or drawing near; an approach.

2) [noun] that by which something is done or obtained or is useful for effecting a desired result suited to the circumstances or the occasion; means; an expedient.

3) [noun] a plan a) a scheme or programme for making, doing or arranging something; project, design, schedule, etc.; b) a method of proceeding.

4) [noun] an action or device designed to deceive, cheat, outwit, etc.; a trick; a stratagem.

5) [noun] any of the four means for success against an enemy (as conciliation, bribery, sowing dissensions and punishment); ಉಪಾಯಹೊಳೆ [upayahole] upāya hoḷe (an idea, technique, stratagem, trick etc.) to flash in the mind.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Discover the meaning of upaya in the context of Kannada from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Related products

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: