Vaishnavacara, Vaishnava-acara, Vaiṣṇavācāra: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Vaishnavacara 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.
The Sanskrit term Vaiṣṇavācāra can be transliterated into English as Vaisnavacara or Vaishnavacara, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
Alternative spellings of this word include Vaishnavachara.
In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramVaiṣṇavācāra (वैष्णवाचार) refers to the “practices and rules enjoined on Vaiṣṇavas” (Cf. Bhāva), according to the Niruttaratantra (quoted by Woodroffe 1973: 241).—The suitable forms of practice or conduct—ācāra—vary in accord with these states [i.e., bhāva]. The lowest condition is the basic state of the fettered soul—paśu—that is accordingly called paśubhāva. In this state one should follow the basic rules and norms enjoined by the common, exoteric scriptures that derive their authority from the Vedas and the smṛtis. In this context this is called samayācāra. It is coupled with the practices and rules enjoined on Vaiṣṇavas, such as vegetarianism and sexual restraint. This is termed vaiṣṇavācāra.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama TextsVaiṣṇavācāra (वैष्णवाचार) (lit. “ethics for Vaiṣṇava believers”) is the name of the twenty-second chapter of the Jayākhyasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra Āgama text composed of 4500 verses in 33 chapters dealing with topics such as mantra (formulas), japa (repetitions), dhyāna (meditations), mudrā (gesticulations), nyāsa (concentrations) etc.
Description of the chapter [vaiṣṇavācāra]:—Nārada wants to know about the attitude toward Vaiṣṇavas who become sannyāsins or yatis (1-2). The answer he gets is a classification of various types of Vaiṣṇavas, the differences being explained on the “natural” grounds that peoples' states are determined by past karmans (3-5)—yatis (6-10), ekāntins (11-13a), vaikhānasas (13b-35a), karmasāttvatas (15b-16), śikhins (17-19a), āptas (28-34a), anāptas (34b-35a), ārambhins (35b-36a), sampravartins (36b-37). All of these are distinguished by some overt sign or profession. Other groups (presumably those who are classified not according to any external sign but rather in terms of their inner spiritual quest) are yogins (39-41), japaniṣṭhas (42-45a), tāpasas (45b-51a), śāstrajñas (51b-53) and śāstradhārakas (54-56). The Lord asks Nārada to honor all these kinds of persons. All of them, He says, are eligible to do yāgas as well as pūjās. Even their mere glance can wash away the sins of those less fortunate and endowed (57-64a).
Nārada wants to know about the pañcakāla division of the day. He is told about what is to be done in each of the five periods—abhigamana (68-69a), upādāna (69b-70), ijyā (71), svādhyāya (72), and yoga (73-74a). Nārada then asks to know the various steps [aṅga] of the worship to the Lord-and is told that worship is to be observed in this order: abhimāna, bhoga, pūjā, offering ghee and other eatables (including paśu: 77), saṃpradāna, vahnisaṃtarpaṇa, pitṛyāga, and prāṇāgnihavana (74b-81a).
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryVaiṣṇavācāra (वैष्णवाचार):—[from vaiṣṇava] m. the rites or practices of the Vaiṣṇavas
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Vaishnava, Acara.
Starts with: Vaishnavacarapaddhati, Vaishnavacarasamgraha, Vaishnavacaravidhi.
Full-text (+12): Vaishnavacarapaddhati, Vaishnavacarasamgraha, Shrivaishnavacarasamgraha, Yaganga, Sampravartin, Anapta, Arambhin, Karmasattvata, Yati, Apta, Abhimana, Yogin, Shastradharaka, Tapasa, Shastrajna, Vahnisamtarpana, Pranagnihavana, Japanishtha, Nivedita, Yaga.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Vaishnavacara, Vaishnava-acara, Vaiṣṇavācāra, Vaisnavacara, Vaiṣṇavācāra, Vaiṣṇava-ācāra, Vaisnava-acara; (plurals include: Vaishnavacaras, acaras, Vaiṣṇavācāras, Vaisnavacaras, ācāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Shakti and Shakta (by John Woodroffe)
Chapter XII - Alleged conflict of Śāstras < [Section 1 - Introductory]
Chapter VI - Śakti and Śākta < [Section 1 - Introductory]
Chapter XXVI - Śākta Sādhanā (the Ordinary Ritual) < [Section 3 - Ritual]
Isanasivagurudeva Paddhati (study) (by J. P. Prajith)
15. Classification of Tantra (introduction) < [Chapter 1 - History and scope of Tantric Literature]
Shri Gaudiya Kanthahara (by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati)