Significance of Kshetra
Synonyms: Area, Region, Field, Domain, Territory
In Dutch: Kshetra; In German: Kshetra; In Finnish: Kshetra; In Spanish: Kshetra; In Swedish: Kshetra; In Malay: Kshetra; In French: Kshetra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Kshetra'
In Hinduism, Kshetra signifies both physical and spiritual fields where rituals occur, embodying sacred spaces for worship, the body's connection to the Supreme Purusha, and regions vital for spiritual growth and divine presence.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The field or locus of experience in the material world, from which Jiva learns and grows.[1] (2) The 'field,' referring to the realm of the material that is understood through knowledge.[2] (3) Kshetra is another name for body, representing the physical forms in which the Supreme Purusha dwells.[3] (4) The field or body in which the Jiva resides, taking on the nature of its environment despite being distinct.[4]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The field or domain of experience and personal reality in which the self operates and realizes its nature.[5] (2) The Kshetra is described as the field where qualities are produced and absorbed.[6] (3) A term referring to the field or terrain of existence or consciousness where understanding is achieved.[7]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The body, which is the field of activity and experience.[8]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another deity to be included in the outer worship of Vastu.[9]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The term used metaphorically to denote the activated field of the body in which various physical and mental functions occur.[10]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The field of experience or the body in which the karma of living beings manifests.[11]
Jain concept of 'Kshetra'
In Jainism, Kshetra encompasses geographical regions marked by mountains, specific countries, and significant places relevant to endurance. It also refers to spaces where knowledge exists, highlighting its multifaceted nature in understanding existence.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Regions or fields that are delineated by the mountain chains discussed in the text.[12] (2) Place, which becomes significant when assessing endurance and non-endurance concerning substances.[13] (3) Space; the location or environment where the objects of knowledge exist.[14]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to country or region, indicating a specific geographical area of origin.[15]
The concept of Kshetra in local and regional sources
Kshetra encompasses sacred spaces linked to Lord Siva and signifies the 'body' in the term kshetra-jna, emphasizing both spiritual significance as a sacred location and its embodiment in physical existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Sacred spaces or temples associated with the different forms of Lord Siva.[16]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Kshetra is a term that can mean the 'body,' as seen in the compound kshetra-jna, which occurs in the Yogabija, and also means a sacred place, according to the text.[17]