Vartulakaraka, Vartulākāraka, Vartula-akaraka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Vartulakaraka means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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 Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: MDPI Books: The Ocean of Heroes

Vartulākāraka (वर्तुलाकारक) refers to “having a round shape”, 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 describing the Merit Circle (guṇacakra)]: “[...] The second [layer’s outermost] circle (the Earth Circle) [has] three lines. The third [layer’s outermost circle, viz., the Knowledge Circle, has] four lines. The fourth [layer’s outermost circle, i.e., the Body Circle] has five lines. Charnel grounds are on all [outermost circles] in order. He should make [the first, second, and third outermost circles] round in shape (vartulākāraka). [They are] understood to have grounds such as the outer [ground]. The circle with five lines (the Body Circle) is square [in shape] and is resplendent. [...]”.

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 vartulakaraka in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: