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स्वाध्याय
svādhyāya
Self-study; recitation of sacred texts; study of the self. A niyama. Daily personal scripture study + introspection.
स्वाध्याय; शास्त्रपाठ; आत्म-निरीक्षण।
Hindu thought is built from a vocabulary of carefully-distinguished terms. Words like svadhyaya are not loose translations — each has a precise scriptural genealogy, a specific role in ritual or philosophy, and often a counterpart that completes its meaning. Many of the major Hindu darśanas (Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Vedānta, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika) refined their vocabulary over centuries; the same Sanskrit term can carry different shades in different schools.
Svadhyaya sits within a cluster of related concepts — niyama, japa. Reading these together gives you the actual texture of the idea, rather than treating it as an isolated definition. Each Sanskrit term in this glossary is cross-linked to the others it presupposes.
Where useful we cite the primary scriptural source — the Upaniṣad, sūtra, or smṛti passage where the term is given its classical sense — alongside trusted modern dictionaries (Monier-Williams, V.S. Apte, Sanskrit Heritage). For practical questions about usage in pūjā or daily life, ask a paṇḍita in your tradition.
Observances; the second limb of Patanjali's yoga — Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvara-pranidhana (surrender to God).
Repetitive recitation of a mantra. Three modes: vaikhari (audible), upamshu (whispered), manasika (mental — most powerful). Counted on a mala of 108 beads.
Posture; the third limb of Patanjali's yoga. Patanjali defines it simply as 'sthira-sukham' (steady and comfortable). The Hatha tradition expanded this into the asana system known globally today.
Devotional song. Tradition includes pad/dohas of Mira, Surdas, Kabir, Tulsidas, Tukaram, Eknath, Narsinh Mehta, Tyagaraja. Often sung as group satsang.
Seed; bija-mantras are seed syllables — single-syllable mantras that contain the energy of a deity. Examples: Om, Hrim, Klim, Shrim, Aim, Hum, Phat. Used at the start of longer mantras.
Concentration; the sixth limb of Patanjali's yoga; binding the mind to one place, object, or idea.
Meditation; sustained, uninterrupted contemplation of one object. The seventh limb of Patanjali's yoga, between dharana (concentration) and samadhi (absorption).
The yoga of forceful disciplining of body and breath — asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, shatkarma, nadanusandhana. Foundation of modern global yoga. Hatha = ha (sun) + tha (moon) = uniting opposites.
Repetitive recitation of a mantra. Three modes: vaikhari (audible), upamshu (whispered), manasika (mental — most powerful). Counted on a mala of 108 beads.
Glorification through song; second of the nine modes of bhakti. Often call-and-response with chorus, instruments (mridanga, harmonium, kartal).
Awaiting paṇḍita verification before final publication. If you spot an inaccuracy in the Sanskrit, IAST, or interpretation, please write to us.