Samayacara, Samayācāra, Samaya-acara: 11 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Shaivism
2. Pancaratra
India history
Languages
1. Sanskrit
2. Kannada
See also

Introduction:

Samayacara means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Samayachara.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Samayācāra (समयाचार) refers to “(the performance of) post-initiatory rites” [?], according to the Jayadrathayāmala, Ṣaṭka 1 verse 13.3–18::—Accordingly, “[...] Besides (bhūyas) the nirvāṇadīkṣā bestowing liberation is of many kinds: śivadharma-dīkṣā, lokadharma-dīkṣā and the initiation which kills quickly, causing the body to fall. [The initiation] which reveals everything through the attainment of Śiva through the performance of post-initiatory rites (samayācāra-pālana) once the three bonds (i.e. the three impurities) have ceased due to the purification of the consciousness on one [of the six] paths, [that] initiation is known to be the śivadharmadīkṣā, which bestows the attainment of liberation because it is contrary to the mundane practice. [...]”.

Source: Manasa Taramgini: Skanda Sadbhava: A distinctive Kaumara Tantra?

Samayācāra (समयाचार) refers to one of the eighteen chapters of the Skandasadbhāvasaṃraha: an abbreviation of the larger Skandasadbhāva in 12000 verses having its narrative framework set in Kailāsa where Nandin and Māheśvara engage in a dialog regarding the present Śāstra.

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.

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

1) Samayācāra (समयाचार) or Samayācāravidhi refers to the “rules for acceptable behavior”, as discussed in the fourth chapter of the Kapiñjalasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra work consisting of 1550 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as worship in a temple, choosing an Ācārya, architecture, town-planning and iconography.—Description of the chapter [samayācāra-vidhi]:—For each of the four castes and for pratilomakas and sūtakas as well as for any of the four āśramas certain modes of behavior are expected; further, all of these persons are eligible for saṃskāras (1-4). [...] The remainder of the chapter deals with general principles of conduct common to all these persons—prāṇāhuti, japa, etc. (21b-24a).

2) Samayācāra (समयाचार) refers to the “behavior for the initiated”, as discussed in chapter 29 of the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: a Sanskrit text written in 2600 verses which covers typical Pāñcarātra topics through a narrative dialogue between Aupagāyana and Siddha Sumati.—Description of the chapter [samayācāra-lakṣaṇa]: Any man from any class—so long as he has undergone dīkṣā and further more has faith [bhakta], self-control [jitendriya] and equanimity [śānti]—may be called a Samayin. There are, however, seven classes of Samayins to be distinguished—Samayin, Dīkṣita, Cakravartin, Abhiṣekavān, Guru, Ācārya and Bhagavān (1-3). [What follows seems to be the result of an excessive zeal to classify and categorize:] [...]

3) Samayācāra (समयाचार) refers to the “(rules of) conduct for the initiate”, as discussed in chapter 21 of the Sāttvatasaṃhitā: one of the most ancient of Pāñcarātra Āgamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyūhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avatāras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [samayācāra-vidhāna]: This chapter lists the numerous miscellaneous rules of conduct, etiquette and outlook. For example: whenever the Guru asks a question the initiate should commence his reply with “bādham”; he should show the utmost respect for the guru and serve him in all ways; he should circumambulate (clockwise) the Peepal and Banyan trees, cow, a gathering of pious people, and teacher’s house; he should treat all the Guru’s relatives with the same respect accorded the guru himself; he should always rise when the Guru enters the room; [...]

context information

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.

India history and geography

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Samay-ācāra.—(SITI), religious usage; established custom; super- vision of the religious and social life of the people; censoring of public morals; also a class of officials called Samayācārya or Dāsari. Note: samay-ācāra is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Samayācāra (समयाचार).—conventional practice, established usage; अतश्च प्रवज्यासुलभसमयाचारविमुखः (ataśca pravajyāsulabhasamayācāravimukhaḥ) Mālatīmādhava (Bombay) 4.6.

Derivable forms: samayācāraḥ (समयाचारः).

Samayācāra is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms samaya and ācāra (आचार).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Samayācāra (समयाचार).—m.

(-raḥ) Conventional practice or usage.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Samayācāra (समयाचार).—[masculine] conventional conduct.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus Catalogorum

1) Samayācāra (समयाचार) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—from the Kulārṇavatantra. Oudh. Xvii, 98.

2) Samayācāra (समयाचार):—[tantric] Stein 239 (inc.).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Samayācāra (समयाचार):—[from sam-aya > sam-i] m. conventional or established practice, [Rāmāyaṇa]

2) [v.s. ...] (with Tāntrikas) Name of [particular] orthodox works.

[Sanskrit to German]

Samayacara in German

context information

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.

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Samayācāra (ಸಮಯಾಚಾರ):—

1) [noun] the customs, traditions of a particular religion.

2) [noun] (hist.) a kind of tax.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Relevant text

Search found 10 books and stories containing Samayacara, Samayācāra, Samaya-acara, Samaya-ācāra, Samay-acara, Samay-ācāra; (plurals include: Samayacaras, Samayācāras, acaras, ācāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Preface

The Shakta Schools < [Chapter 5 - Shakta-Tantras—Saundaryalahari as an epitome of Shaktism]

The Kaula, Mishra and Samaya modes of worship < [Chapter 7 - Philosophical aspects in Saundaryalahari]

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Tantra—Categorization according to Acaras < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

Appendix 1 - Sixty-four Tantras

Sadhya worship accessories (5): Offerings < [Chapter 4 - Worship and The Worshipper]

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Page 434 < [Volume 12 (1898)]

Page 181 < [Volume 2 (1872)]

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Appendix 2 - Names of important Tantras (Visnukranta, Rathakranta and Asvakranta)