Shatprakara, Ṣaṭprakārā, Shash-prakara, Ṣaṭprakāra: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Shatprakara means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit. 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.
The Sanskrit terms Ṣaṭprakārā and Ṣaṭprakāra can be transliterated into English as Satprakara or Shatprakara, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram1) Ṣaṭprakārā (षट्प्रकारा) (cf. Ṣaṭka, Ṣaṭprakārikā) refers to “six parts” (of the Goddess as the embodiment of the teachings), according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “[...] The sixfold nature of the maṇḍala reflects the division into six, which characterizes the teachings of the Kubjikā Tantras as a whole and is exemplified by the numerous groups of six we find mentioned throughout them. All of them are the goddess herself who, as the embodiment of the teachings, is also said to consist of six parts (ṣaṭprakārā). [...]”.
Note: The ‘six parts’ are described in the texts from various perspectives according to differing doctrinal contexts and ritual needs. Worshipped in the six corners of the maṇḍala's central hexagon, they are like coverings (acchādaka) that envelop the deity in the centre.
2) Ṣaṭprakāra (षट्प्रकार) refers to “six modalities”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra.—Accordingly, “[...] Having contemplated the End of the Nine, which is supreme, (one attains) Nirvāṇa, the supreme plane. The renouncer [i.e., tyāgin], having contemplated the End of the Nine, is freed from bondage. The End of the Nine is complete attainment beyond the Six Modalities (ṣaṭprakāra i.e. the Six Wheels). The tenth is at the End of the Nine. It is the Void that should be taught to be the End of the Sixteen. [...] (Perfect) contemplation (samādhi) is with (these) sixteen aspects and is (attained) within the form of the sixfold deposition (ṣoḍhānyāsa). He who knows this is (a veritable) Lord of Yogis, the others (who do not) are (just) quoting from books. Once attained the plane that is Void and Non-void, the yogi is freed from bondage”.
3) Ṣaṭprakāra (प्रकार) refers to the “six modalities” of Kula, according to the Kularatnoddyota verse 1.30-35ab.—Accordingly, “[...] And that also, O fair lady, consisting of six authorities, is two-fold, divided into prior and subsequent. O most excellent daughter of the mountains, this Kula has six modalities (ṣaṣ-prakāra), namely, Ānanda, Āvali, Prabhu and Yogin, in due order, (along with) Atīta, and the one called Pāda. Such is the Kula tradition characterized by supreme non-duality”.
Note: These six ‘modalities’ (ṣaṣ-prakāra) or ‘authorities’ are the lineages established by Matsyendranātha. The ‘prior’ Kula tradition is the one in which this six-fold division prevailed originally. The subsequent—paścima-kula tradition of the Kubjikā Tantras took it over. Also incorporated into the other two major independent Kaula traditions, the Kālīkrama and Trikakula, their names are well known.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) 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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraṢaṭprakāra (षट्प्रकार) refers to the “great six-fold path” (of emanation an reabsorption), according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 22.15]—“[Praṇava enables him to grasp] the great six-fold path (ṣaṭprakāra) [of emanation an reabsorption]. [This path is] established by the six causes [of the great sounds]. [The Mantrin] makes sacrifices [into fire] with all knowledge (vidyā), which has been propelled by the sound juṃ”.
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.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve ReflectionsṢaṭprakāra (षट्प्रकार) refers to “six kinds” (of external asceticism), according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “In that regard, external asceticism is declared to be of six kinds [com.—ṣaṭprakāra] beginning with fasting while internal [asceticism] is also of [six] kinds on account of the divisions beginning with atonement. Hardship of the limbs of the body is excellent in respect of the divisions beginning with fasting. Internal [asceticism] in the form of meditation is excellent in respect of the divisions beginning with atonement”.
Synonyms: Ṣaḍvidha.
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, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Sat, Prakara, Shash.
Full-text (+22): Acchadaka, Prakara, Shatcakra, Shatkosha, Vajratman, Vajrapinda, Vajrapadma, Shash, Khashakti, Anandabheda, Avalibheda, Padabheda, Yogibheda, Atitabheda, Prabhubheda, Atita, Yogin, Prabhu, Shatprakarika, Shadvidha.
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Shatprakara, Sat-prakara, Ṣaṭprakārā, Ṣaṣ-prakārā, Sas-prakara, Ṣaṭ-prakārā, Shash-prakara, Ṣaṭprakāra, Satprakara, Shat-prakara, Ṣaṭ-prakāra, Ṣaṣ-prakāra; (plurals include: Shatprakaras, prakaras, Ṣaṭprakārās, prakārās, Ṣaṭprakāras, Satprakaras, prakāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana (by Gaurapada Dāsa)
Text 2.16 < [Chapter 2 - The Natures of Words (śabda)]
A comparative study between Buddhism and Nyaya (by Roberta Pamio)
2.5. Perception according to Jayanta Bhaṭṭa < [Chapter 4 - The Nyāya Theory of Perception]
Alamkaras mentioned by Vamana (by Pratim Bhattacharya)
13: Definition of Vibhāvanā Alaṃkāra < [Chapter 4 - Arthālaṃkāras mentioned by Vāmana]
3: Definition of Anuprāsa Alaṃkāra < [Chapter 3 - Śabdālaṃkāras mentioned by Vāmana]
Varahi Tantra (English Study) (by Roberta Pamio)
Chapter 2 - A hymn to the Śrīkrama < [Summary of the Vārāhī Tantra]