365bet娱乐

Significance of Cakra

Cakra in Jainism, Vaishnavism, and various other spiritual traditions symbolizes a powerful divine weapon or disc that represents strength, authority, transformation, and spiritual power. It serves as a significant emblem used by various deities in their battles, illustrating military prowess and divine protection. Furthermore, Cakra is associated with energy centers in the human body, emphasizing its role in spiritual practices and the connection between physical and metaphysical realms. Overall, Cakra encompasses themes of power, transformation, and divine authority across different philosophies.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Chakra, Disk, Wheel, Circle, Spiritual energy, Life force, Prana

In German: Cakra; In Finnish: Cakra; In Spanish: Cakra; In Dutch: Centrum

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Cakra'

Hinduism Books

Cakra in Hinduism symbolizes divine power, encompassing various meanings such as energy centers in the body, mystical diagrams, and protective weapons like Krishna's discus. It plays a vital role in spiritual practices, yoga, and transformation.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Translates to 'wheel' or 'circle', often symbolizing continuity and unity in spiritual contexts.[1] (2) A divine weapon used by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, symbolizing strength and authority.[2] (3) A wheel or disc, used metaphorically to represent a significant transformative energy or force in spiritual contexts.[3] (4) A circular symbol often associated with divine protection, found near Krishna's footprints.[4]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A weapon associated with the Lord, representing protection and divine power.[5] (2) A symbolic or decorative element, often found atop temples, that holds spiritual significance.[6]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) One of the divine weapons held by Krishna, representing spiritual power and the ability to protect dharma.[7] (2) A symbol representing a disc, often associated with divine power and used as an identifying mark for devotees.[8]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) Energy centers within the human body that correspond to specific elements and are essential in the practices of Yoga.[9] (2) Energy centers in the body associated with various functions, emotions, and spiritual experiences, significant in Tantric practices.[10] (3) A ritual circle formed by participants in Tantric rites, where interaction with the Divine is facilitated through communal worship.[11] (4) Energy centers within the body associated with specific physical and spiritual functions, critical to the practice of yoga and energy work.[12] (5) Energy centers within the body that are pivotal in Tantric practices for spiritual awakening and consciousness expansion.[13]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) 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.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)

(1) Energy centers within the body which are pierced by the upward movement of Bhujangi; integral to the spiritual journey.[14] (2) A metaphysical energy center where various spiritual and sound elements converge, specifically referring to the Ajna-Cakra here.[15] (3) The energy centers in the body, mentioned prior to discussing the union of Kundalini, indicating their significance in spiritual practices.[16] (4) A discus or spinning weapon that Vishnu carries, representing the cycle of time and the universe.[17]

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 asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The divine discus thrown by the Devi that ultimately kills Mahisha.[18] (2) A discus weapon wielded by Vasudeva Hari to strike the Danava, reflecting the divine power of Vishnu.[19]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of N膩r膩ya峁嘺):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) The mystic wheel drawn during the initiation process for the disciple to see.[20]

Pancaratra 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.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) A hand gesture formed with Ardha-candra hands held askew, used to symbolize the discus.[21]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya鈥攖heatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Jain concept of 'Cakra'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Cakra" symbolizes various forms of power and authority, often depicted as a divine weapon or wheel reflecting conquest, military prowess, and spiritual direction, underscoring its significance within narratives of divine battles and kingship.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A powerful circular weapon of destruction associated with Vishnu, symbolizing unerring force and fatal precision.[22] (2) A circular weapon in Gomedha鈥檚 possession representing the cycle of life, protection, and power.[23] (3) A symbol or divine mechanism that guided the King on his journey, indicating the presence of spiritual direction.[24] (4) A symbol of power acquired by Vajranabha, surpassing that of the sun.[25] (5) A metaphorical wheel symbolizing the Lord of Bharata's power and authority in conquest.[26]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Cakras.