Darkness: 2 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Shilpashastra
2. Yoga
See also
Buy products

Introduction:

Darkness 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.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

The Darkness (of night) follows specific guidelines of ancient Indian Painting (citra), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, some natural phenomena are referred to be portrayed with the help of symbolization in a picture. According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa darkness of night should be shown with the picture of men approaching their abodes. In the Meghadūta, Kālidāsa projected the scene of night with a path, persuaded by some love affected women.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Yoga (school of philosophy)

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

The Darkness (of many conflicting opinions) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Dhvānta, according to the Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma: an influential 15th-century Sanskrit manual on Hatha-Yoga dealing with techniques to channel one’s vital energy.—Accordingly, “The compassionate Svātmārāma presents the Haṭhapradīpikā for those ignorant of Rājayoga because of their confusion in the darkness (dhvānta) of many [conflicting] opinions”.

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).

Relevant text

Search found 449 books and stories containing Darkness, The darkness; (plurals include: Darknesses, The darknesses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Canto CVII - Hymn to the Sun

Canto CXXIV - Avīkṣita’s exploits (continued)

Canto LXXIV - About the Tāmasa Manvantara

+ 28 more chapters / show preview

Appendix 2 - Lokāntarikā (intermediate spaces between two worlds) < [Chapter XLVII - Praises made by the Buddhas]

Part 2 - The true nature of dharmas < [Chapter XXIX - The Virtue of Wisdom]

Part 4 - Illuminating the darkness of the intermediary worlds < [Chapter LI - Seeing all the Buddha Fields]

+ 16 more chapters / show preview

Part 5 - The examples of naturelessness < [B. The view that realizes suchness]

3c) The animal realm < [Part 3 - The main divisions]

D. The dedication of merit < [Chapter XI - Meditation, the Chapter of Spotless dhyana]

+ 27 more chapters / show preview