Articles
These articles are short explainers. Each one takes a single teaching from the scriptures and explains it in plain language, with the Sanskrit terms and where they come from.
Many traditional teachings are given as numbered lists, which made them easy to memorise. Examples here include the seven major vices (Sapta Vyasanās), the seven limbs of a royal assembly (Sabhā Saptāṅga), and the eight divine treasures described in the Purāṇas (Padminī Vidyā).
Why the scriptures use numbered lists
For most of history these teachings were learned by listening and kept in memory. A number in the name tells the student how many items to recall, so nothing is left out. This is why so many teachings are known by a number: the four aims of life (purushārthas), the three guṇas, the five great elements (pañca mahābhūtas), and many more.
How each article is written
- It names the teaching in Sanskrit, with the meaning of the term.
- It lists each item and explains it in plain language.
- It says which scripture the teaching comes from.
- It links to the people and texts mentioned, where this site has a page for them.
More articles are added over time.
The eight divine treasures known as the nidhis are part of a sacred science called the Padminī vidyā, which is presided over by the deity Śrī Mahālakshmī. This vidyā (knowledge)…
Sapta Vyasanās, 7 Major VicesThe term Sapta Vyasanās (सप्तव्यसन, Seven Major Vices) in Hindu Dharma Śāstra refers to the seven destructive vices that deeply entangle and degrade a human being, diverting them from Dharma,…
Sabhā SaptāṅgaThe term Sabhā Saptāṅga (सभा सप्ताङ्ग) refers to the seven essential limbs (aṅga) of a sabhā, the sacred assembly or court in Bhāratīya tradition. The word sabhā denotes an assembly…