Urdhvadhyana, Urdhva-dhyana, Ūrdhvadhyāna: 1 definition

Introduction:

Urdhvadhyana 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

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Urdhvadhyana in Shaivism glossary
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Ūrdhvadhyāna (ऊर्ध्वध्यान) refers to “meditating on that which is rising upwards”, according to the Netratantroddyota commentary on 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 8.41-44, while describing the purification process of the initiand]—“[The initiand,] does not need to meditate on [that which is] rising upwards (ūrdhvadhyānanordhve dhyānaṃ), nor practice [that which] goes downward, or [rests] in the middle (i.e., the breath). He does not need to concentrate on [that which is] in front, or anything to the side or in other directions. [...]”.

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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.

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