Varnarupa, Varṇarūpa, Varna-rupa: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Varnarupa means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramVarṇarūpa (वर्णरूप) refers to “that which has the form of letters”, according to the Brahmayāmala verse 57.98cd-99ab.—Accordingly, “O goddess, it is on (the lotus) with six petals and has the form of letters [i.e., varṇarūpa-samanvita]. Recollect this Wheel, Kāmarūpa, in accord with its form”.
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.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchVarṇarūpa (वर्णरूप) refers to “form and colour”, according to the Niśvāsakārikā verse 32.149cd-152.—Accordingly, as the Lord teaches the Yoga of detachment to the Goddess: “O goddess, listen to the supreme secret [teaching] and its unsurpassed Siddhi. It has no form, no colour and no meditation. It is both with and without aspects. It lacks anything through which it can be acted upon and it has no location. [This] great no-mind yoga is not a division of [mantra] recitation, is free from form and colour (varṇarūpa) [but] gives all Siddhis”.
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).
Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)
Source: OAPEN: Adaptive Reuse: Aspects of Creativity in South Asian Cultural HistoryVarṇarūpa (वर्णरूप) refers to “having the form of phonemes”, according to Utpala Vaiṣṇava’s commentary (called Spandapradīpikā) on the Spandakārikā by Vasugupta.—Accordingly, “And moreover, [it is said] in the Saṅkarṣaṇasūtras: ‘The form of consciousness, which is installed in itself alone, and is prepared through presence and absence, is perceivable through self-awareness, and its sphere of knowledge lies beyond nature. This source of the mantras is recollected, o sage, to consist of cognition. These mantras, which appear externally and internally in the form of phonemes (varṇarūpa) rest on the undivided level. Like the [sense] organs of the embodied beings, when they are employed, [the mantras] are successful at all times because of the connection with vigour”.
Mantrashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, mantraśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mantras—chants, incantations, spells, magical hymns, etc. Mantra Sastra literature includes many ancient books dealing with the methods reciting mantras, identifying and purifying its defects and the science behind uttering or chanting syllables.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: MDPI Books: The Ocean of HeroesVarṇarūpa (वर्णरूप) refers to “one’s colors and physical form”, according to the 10th-century Ḍākārṇava-tantra: one of the last Tibetan Tantric scriptures belonging to the Buddhist Saṃvara tradition consisting of 51 chapters.—Accordingly: [while explaining the body circle (kāyacakra)]: “[...] The heroes [on all circles except for Heruka] have the same colors and physical forms (varṇarūpa) as all [their consort] Yoginīs. All [heroes each] wear a garland of hairless heads [as a necklace] and wear a hero’s turban. These heroes [each] have twisted locks of hair, with all body parts smeared with ash. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Varnarupavivarjita.
Ends with: Vivarnarupa.
Full-text: Varna.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Varnarupa, Varṇarūpa, Varna-rupa, Varṇa-rūpa; (plurals include: Varnarupas, Varṇarūpas, rupas, rūpas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Cidgaganacandrika (study) (by S. Mahalakshmi)
Verse 167 [Cidrupa Laya] < [Chapter 3 - Third Vimarśa]
Serpent Power (Kundalini-shakti), Introduction (by Arthur Avalon)