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Significance of Samaya

Samaya is a multifaceted concept discussed in various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it denotes the commitments and vows within Vajrayana practices, especially concerning the teacher-student relationship. Jainism views Samaya as the smallest indivisible portion of time, while in Purana, it signifies an agreement and spiritual journey towards enlightenment. Additionally, Dharmashastra interprets it as a social convention and a reference to sacrificial timings. Mahayana also emphasizes the importance of vows in a practitioner's spiritual practice, illustrating the diverse meanings of Samaya across traditions.1
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Synonyms: Time, Period, Season, Era, Duration, Moment, Instance, Epoch

In German: Samaya; In Finnish: Samaya; In Spanish: Samaya; In Swedish: Samaya; In Malay: Samaya; In French: Samaya; In Dutch: Samen

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

Buddhist concept of 'Samaya'

Buddhism Books

Samaya in Buddhism encompasses the vows and commitments made by practitioners to uphold teachings and ethics, particularly in the context of Vajrayana practices and the crucial teacher-student relationship, ensuring dedication to spiritual growth.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The commitments or vows taken by students to uphold the teachings and ethics of their spiritual path.[1] (2) The commitments or vows that practitioners adhere to within their spiritual practice, particularly in relation to empowerments.[2] (3) Refers to the commitments within Vajrayana practices, often linked with the teacher-student relationship.[3]

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) Vows or commitments that a practitioner maintains to uphold their spiritual practice.[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Samaya'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Samaya signifies time (specifically early dawn), denotes agreements and customs, indicates proximity, and represents reconciliation. It also refers to a consecration ritual vital for a disciple's spiritual enlightenment.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A term indicating time, specifically the early dawn in this context, with implications on its connection to sacrificial timings.[5]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Jain concept of 'Samaya'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Samaya signifies the smallest indivisible time unit (addha kala), contributes to minimum lifetime calculations in kalpas, and encompasses the time frame of Haribhadrasuri, subject to critical examination by scholars.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) An additional unit added to the maximum lifetime to establish the minimum lifetime in subsequent kalpas.[6]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The smallest indivisible portion of time within the context of addha kala.[7]

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.

The concept of Samaya in local and regional sources

History Books

Samaya signifies a division of Srikula linked to dakshinamarga, representing the right-hand path in spiritual practices, characterized by a strict and puritanical approach to rituals and principles in its teachings.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Samaya, or tantric bond, links the practitioner with the guru, the deity, and the community of practitioners, and imbibing the sacred substances is a way of connecting with the sacred tantric vision.[8] (2) A term, similar to paramanu, used in the Ganitasarasamgraha to define a unit of time.[9]

Plural form: Samayas.