स्वाध्याय
English meaning: self-study; sacred recitation
Definition
The niyama of study of sacred texts and recitation of mantras, including reflective self-examination. From self-study comes communion with one's chosen deity.
Example
“स्वाध्यायादिष्टदेवतासम्प्रयोगः।”
In English: “From self-study arises union with the chosen deity.”
Another example: “प्रतिदिनं ब्राह्मणः वेदस्य स्वाध्यायं न त्यजेत्।”
Usage — When, Where & How
A Vedic-and-Classical technical term: as a niyama in Yoga it means self-study and sacred recitation; in the Veda it denotes one's daily private recitation. Domain of yoga ethics and Vedic study; honorific, used in ritual-pedagogical contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From sva ('one's own, self') + adhyāya ('study, lesson', from adhi- + √i 'to go over, learn'). Literally 'self-study', study of one's own scripture.
Synonyms
- शास्त्राध्ययन
- वेदाध्ययन
Related Words
Common Collocations
- स्वाध्यायप्रवचन
- स्वाध्यायनिरत
- स्वाध्यायाभ्यास
- वेदस्वाध्याय
Word Forms
m., a-stem; nom. स्वाध्यायः, acc. स्वाध्यायम्, instr. स्वाध्यायेन, loc. स्वाध्याये
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“मन्दः कवियशः प्रार्थी गमिष्याम्युपहास्यताम्। प्रांशुलभ्ये फले लोभादुद्बाहुरिव वामनः।।”
/Mandah kaviyashah prarthhi gamishyamyupahasytam. Pramshu-labhe phale lobhadud-bahur iva vamanah./
“Feeble-minded yet aspiring to a poet's fame, I go to be ridiculed — like a dwarf reaching for high fruit.”
“रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः साधुः सत्यपराक्रमः”
/Ramo vigrahavan dharmah sadhuh satya-parakramah/
“Rama is righteousness incarnate — virtuous and true in valour.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- संस्कृतम्
- Sanskrit
- Script
- Devanagari
- Family
- Indo-Aryan
- Speakers
- 5M