Difference between revisions of "Yaksa"
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[[File:Yaksha-guardian.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Yaksha-guardian.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | [[Yaksha]] ([[Sanskrit]]: यक्ष [[yakṣa]])[1] is the [[name]] of a broad class of nature-spirits, usually {{Wiki|benevolent}}, who are caretakers of the natural [[treasures]] hidden in the [[earth]] and [[tree]] [[roots]].[2] They appear in [[Hindu]], [[Jain]] and [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}}.[2] The {{Wiki|feminine}} [[form]] of the [[word]] is yakṣī (यक्षी)[3] or [[Yakshini]] (yakṣiṇī, [[यक्षिणी]]).[4][5] | + | [[Yaksha]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[यक्ष]] [[yakṣa]])[1] is the [[name]] of a broad class of nature-spirits, usually {{Wiki|benevolent}}, who are caretakers of the natural [[treasures]] hidden in the [[earth]] and [[tree]] [[roots]].[2] They appear in [[Hindu]], [[Jain]] and [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}}.[2] The {{Wiki|feminine}} [[form]] of the [[word]] is [[yakṣī]] ([[यक्षी]])[3] or [[Yakshini]] ([[yakṣiṇī]], [[यक्षिणी]]).[4][5] |
[[Mathura Yakṣa]], 1st-2nd century CE | [[Mathura Yakṣa]], 1st-2nd century CE | ||
| − | In [[Hindu]], [[Jain]], and [[Buddhist texts]], the [[yakṣa]] has a dual [[personality]]. On the one hand, a [[yakṣa]] may be an inoffensive nature-fairy, associated with woods and mountains; but there is also a darker version of the [[yakṣa]], which is a kind of [[ghost]] ([[bhuta]]) that haunts the wilderness and waylays and devours travelers, similar to the [[rakṣasas]]. | + | In [[Hindu]], [[Jain]], and [[Buddhist texts]], the [[yakṣa]] has a dual [[personality]]. On the one hand, a [[yakṣa]] may be an inoffensive nature-fairy, associated with woods and [[mountains]]; but there is also a darker version of the [[yakṣa]], which is a kind of [[ghost]] ([[bhuta]]) that haunts the wilderness and waylays and devours travelers, similar to the [[rakṣasas]]. |
| − | In Kālidāsa's poem Meghadūta, for instance, the [[yakṣa]] narrator is a romantic figure, pining with [[love]] for his missing beloved. By contrast, in the {{Wiki|didactic}} [[Hindu]] dialogue of the Yakṣapraśnāḥ "Questions of the [[Yakṣa]]", it is a tutelary [[spirit]] of a lake that challenges [[Yudhiṣṭhira]]. The [[yakṣas]] may have originally been the tutelary [[gods]] of forests and villages, and were later viewed as the steward [[deities]] of the [[earth]] and the [[wealth]] buried beneath. | + | In Kālidāsa's poem [[Wikipedia:Meghadūta|Meghadūta]], for instance, the [[yakṣa]] narrator is a romantic figure, pining with [[love]] for his missing beloved. By contrast, in the {{Wiki|didactic}} [[Hindu]] {{Wiki|dialogue}} of the Yakṣapraśnāḥ "Questions of the [[Yakṣa]]", it is a {{Wiki|tutelary}} [[spirit]] of a lake that challenges [[Yudhiṣṭhira]]. The [[yakṣas]] may have originally been the {{Wiki|tutelary}} [[gods]] of forests and villages, and were later viewed as the steward [[deities]] of the [[earth]] and the [[wealth]] [[Wikipedia:burial|buried]] beneath. |
In [[Indian]] [[art]], {{Wiki|male}} [[yakṣas]] are portrayed either as fearsome {{Wiki|warriors}} or as portly, stout and dwarf-like. {{Wiki|Female}} [[yakṣas]], known as yakṣiṇīs, are portrayed as [[beautiful]] young women with [[happy]] round faces and full breasts and hips. | In [[Indian]] [[art]], {{Wiki|male}} [[yakṣas]] are portrayed either as fearsome {{Wiki|warriors}} or as portly, stout and dwarf-like. {{Wiki|Female}} [[yakṣas]], known as yakṣiṇīs, are portrayed as [[beautiful]] young women with [[happy]] round faces and full breasts and hips. | ||
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In [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}}, the [[yakṣa]] are the {{Wiki|attendants}} of [[Vaiśravaṇa]], the {{Wiki|Guardian}} of the Northern Quarter, a beneficent [[god]] who protects the righteous. The term also refers to the [[Twelve Heavenly Generals]] who {{Wiki|guard}} [[Bhaiṣajyaguru]], the [[Medicine Buddha]]. | In [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}}, the [[yakṣa]] are the {{Wiki|attendants}} of [[Vaiśravaṇa]], the {{Wiki|Guardian}} of the Northern Quarter, a beneficent [[god]] who protects the righteous. The term also refers to the [[Twelve Heavenly Generals]] who {{Wiki|guard}} [[Bhaiṣajyaguru]], the [[Medicine Buddha]]. | ||
[[File:Yaksha 00.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Yaksha 00.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | According to the [[Mahavamsa]], {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Vijaya]] encountered the royalty of the [[Yakkhas]]. [[King]] [[Maha Kalasena]], {{Wiki|Queen}} [[Gonda]] on the celebration of the [[marriage]] of their daughter {{Wiki|Princess}} [[Polamitta]] in the [[Yakkha]] {{Wiki|capital}} of [[Lankapura]] and conquered them. [[Lankapura]] may have been in [[Arithra]] or [[Vijithapura]]. The [[Yakkhas]] served as loyal [[subjects]] with the [[Vijiyan]] dynasty and the [[Yakkha]] chieftain sat on {{Wiki|equal}} height to the [[Sri Lankan]] leaders on {{Wiki|festival}} days. | + | According to the [[Mahavamsa]], {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Vijaya]] encountered the royalty of the [[Yakkhas]]. [[King]] [[Maha Kalasena]], {{Wiki|Queen}} [[Gonda]] on the celebration of the [[marriage]] of their daughter {{Wiki|Princess}} [[Polamitta]] in the [[Yakkha]] {{Wiki|capital}} of [[Lankapura]] and conquered them. [[Lankapura]] may have been in [[Arithra]] or [[Vijithapura]]. The [[Yakkhas]] served as loyal [[subjects]] with the [[Vijiyan]] {{Wiki|dynasty}} and the [[Yakkha]] chieftain sat on {{Wiki|equal}} height to the [[Sri Lankan]] leaders on {{Wiki|festival}} days. |
[[Thailand]] | [[Thailand]] | ||
| − | [[Yakshas]] ([[Thai]]: ยักษ์, Yak) are an important [[element]] in [[Thai]] [[temple]] [[art]] and architecture.[6] They are common as {{Wiki|guardians}} of the gates in [[Buddhist]] [[temples]] throughout the country since at least the 14th century. Ceramic sculptures of {{Wiki|guardian}} [[Yakshas]] were produced in [[Thailand]], during the [[Sukhothai]] and [[Ayutthaya]] periods, between the 14th and 16th centuries, at several kiln complexes located in northern [[Thailand]].[7] They are mostly depicted with a [[characteristic]] face, having big round bulging [[eyes]] and protruding fangs, as well as a green complexion. [[Yakshas]] and their {{Wiki|female}} counterparts are common in the [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} of [[Thailand]]. As ogres, giants and ogresses [[yakshas]] are popular as well in [[Thai]] {{Wiki|folklore}}. | + | [[Yakshas]] ([[Thai]]: [[ยักษ์]], {{Wiki|Yak}}) are an important [[element]] in [[Thai]] [[temple]] [[art]] and [[architecture]].[6] They are common as {{Wiki|guardians}} of the gates in [[Buddhist]] [[temples]] throughout the country since at least the 14th century. Ceramic sculptures of {{Wiki|guardian}} [[Yakshas]] were produced in [[Thailand]], during the [[Sukhothai]] and [[Ayutthaya]] periods, between the 14th and 16th centuries, at several kiln complexes located in northern [[Thailand]].[7] They are mostly depicted with a [[characteristic]] face, having big round bulging [[eyes]] and protruding fangs, as well as a green complexion. [[Yakshas]] and their {{Wiki|female}} counterparts are common in the [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} of [[Thailand]]. As {{Wiki|ogres}}, giants and ogresses [[yakshas]] are popular as well in [[Thai]] {{Wiki|folklore}}. |
| − | "ย ยักษ์", ([[yo yak]]) is also used as an illustration in [[order]] to [[name]] the [[letter]] ย, the 34th consonant of the [[Thai]] [[alphabet]], according to the [[traditional]] [[letter]] [[symbols]] [[Thai]] children use to memorize the [[alphabet]].[8] | + | "ย [[ยักษ์]]", ([[yo yak]]) is also used as an illustration in [[order]] to [[name]] the [[letter]] ย, the 34th consonant of the [[Thai]] [[alphabet]], according to the [[traditional]] [[letter]] [[symbols]] [[Thai]] children use to memorize the [[alphabet]].[8] |
[[Yaksha]] and [[Yakshini]] in [[Jainism]] | [[Yaksha]] and [[Yakshini]] in [[Jainism]] | ||
| − | {{Wiki|Jains}} mainly {{Wiki|worship}} idols of [[Arihants]] and {{Wiki|Tirthankaras}}, who have conquered the inner [[passions]] and attained God-consciousness {{Wiki|status}}. Some {{Wiki|Jains}} also believe that [[Yaksha]] and [[Yakshini]] look after the well-being of {{Wiki|Tirthankaras}}. Usually, they are found in pair around the idols of [[Jinas]] as {{Wiki|male}} ([[yaksha]]) and {{Wiki|female}} ([[yakshini]]) {{Wiki|guardian}} [[deities]]. [[Yaksha]] is generally on the right-hand side of the [[Jina]] idol and [[Yakshini]] on the left-hand side. In earlier periods, they were regarded mainly as {{Wiki|devotees}} of [[Jina]], and have [[supernatural powers]]. They are also wandering through the cycles of [[births]] and [[deaths]] just like the [[worldly]] [[souls]], but have [[supernatural powers]]. Over [[time]], [[people]] started worshiping these [[deities]] as well.[9] | + | {{Wiki|Jains}} mainly {{Wiki|worship}} {{Wiki|idols}} of [[Arihants]] and {{Wiki|Tirthankaras}}, who have conquered the inner [[passions]] and [[attained]] God-consciousness {{Wiki|status}}. Some {{Wiki|Jains}} also believe that [[Yaksha]] and [[Yakshini]] look after the well-being of {{Wiki|Tirthankaras}}. Usually, they are found in pair around the {{Wiki|idols}} of [[Jinas]] as {{Wiki|male}} ([[yaksha]]) and {{Wiki|female}} ([[yakshini]]) {{Wiki|guardian}} [[deities]]. [[Yaksha]] is generally on the right-hand side of the [[Jina]] [[idol]] and [[Yakshini]] on the left-hand side. In earlier periods, they were regarded mainly as {{Wiki|devotees}} of [[Jina]], and have [[supernatural powers]]. They are also wandering through the cycles of [[births]] and [[deaths]] just like the [[worldly]] [[souls]], but have [[supernatural powers]]. Over [[time]], [[people]] started worshiping these [[deities]] as well.[9] |
| − | Some [[sections]] of {{Wiki|Jains}} looked at [[yaksas]] and [[yaksanis]] for the immediate returns, and gave them the places in their [[temples]]. Some [[Yaksa]] were and are known for bestowing {{Wiki|fertility}} and [[wealth]] upon their devotes. Therefore, they had become very popular and their idols had been placed in [[Jain]] [[temples]] and {{Wiki|Jains}} {{Wiki|worship}} them. {{Wiki|Jains}} offer them different things in favor of boons for children, [[wealth]] or freedom from {{Wiki|fears}}, {{Wiki|illness}} or {{Wiki|disease}}.[citation needed] | + | Some [[sections]] of {{Wiki|Jains}} looked at [[yaksas]] and [[yaksanis]] for the immediate returns, and gave them the places in their [[temples]]. Some [[Yaksa]] were and are known for bestowing {{Wiki|fertility}} and [[wealth]] upon their devotes. Therefore, they had become very popular and their {{Wiki|idols}} had been placed in [[Jain]] [[temples]] and {{Wiki|Jains}} {{Wiki|worship}} them. {{Wiki|Jains}} offer them different things in favor of boons for children, [[wealth]] or freedom from {{Wiki|fears}}, {{Wiki|illness}} or {{Wiki|disease}}.[citation needed] |
| − | [[Jainism]] provides very clear foundations and guidelines, and it is up to every {{Wiki|individual}} {{Wiki|jains}} to decide which idols to {{Wiki|worship}} and which ones that should just be [[acknowledged]]. [[Sthanakvasi]] and [[Terapanthi]] {{Wiki|Jains}} of the [[Svetambara]] and [[Taranpanthi]] {{Wiki|Jains}} of the [[Digambaras]] do not believe in idol worshiping.[citation needed] | + | [[Jainism]] provides very clear foundations and guidelines, and it is up to every {{Wiki|individual}} {{Wiki|jains}} to decide which {{Wiki|idols}} to {{Wiki|worship}} and which ones that should just be [[acknowledged]]. [[Sthanakvasi]] and [[Terapanthi]] {{Wiki|Jains}} of the [[Svetambara]] and [[Taranpanthi]] {{Wiki|Jains}} of the [[Digambaras]] do not believe in [[idol]] worshiping.[citation needed] |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Yaksa]] | [[Category:Yaksa]] | ||
Revision as of 06:41, 16 February 2015
Yaksha (Sanskrit: यक्ष yakṣa)[1] is the name of a broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, who are caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots.[2] They appear in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist literature.[2] The feminine form of the word is yakṣī (यक्षी)[3] or Yakshini (yakṣiṇī, यक्षिणी).[4][5] Mathura Yakṣa, 1st-2nd century CE
In Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist texts, the yakṣa has a dual personality. On the one hand, a yakṣa may be an inoffensive nature-fairy, associated with woods and mountains; but there is also a darker version of the yakṣa, which is a kind of ghost (bhuta) that haunts the wilderness and waylays and devours travelers, similar to the rakṣasas.
In Kālidāsa's poem Meghadūta, for instance, the yakṣa narrator is a romantic figure, pining with love for his missing beloved. By contrast, in the didactic Hindu dialogue of the Yakṣapraśnāḥ "Questions of the Yakṣa", it is a tutelary spirit of a lake that challenges Yudhiṣṭhira. The yakṣas may have originally been the tutelary gods of forests and villages, and were later viewed as the steward deities of the earth and the wealth buried beneath.
In Indian art, male yakṣas are portrayed either as fearsome warriors or as portly, stout and dwarf-like. Female yakṣas, known as yakṣiṇīs, are portrayed as beautiful young women with happy round faces and full breasts and hips.
In Buddhist literature, the yakṣa are the attendants of Vaiśravaṇa, the Guardian of the Northern Quarter, a beneficent god who protects the righteous. The term also refers to the Twelve Heavenly Generals who guard Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha.
According to the Mahavamsa, Prince Vijaya encountered the royalty of the Yakkhas. King Maha Kalasena, Queen Gonda on the celebration of the marriage of their daughter Princess Polamitta in the Yakkha capital of Lankapura and conquered them. Lankapura may have been in Arithra or Vijithapura. The Yakkhas served as loyal subjects with the Vijiyan dynasty and the Yakkha chieftain sat on equal height to the Sri Lankan leaders on festival days. Thailand
Yakshas (Thai: ยักษ์, Yak) are an important element in Thai temple art and architecture.[6] They are common as guardians of the gates in Buddhist temples throughout the country since at least the 14th century. Ceramic sculptures of guardian Yakshas were produced in Thailand, during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, between the 14th and 16th centuries, at several kiln complexes located in northern Thailand.[7] They are mostly depicted with a characteristic face, having big round bulging eyes and protruding fangs, as well as a green complexion. Yakshas and their female counterparts are common in the Buddhist literature of Thailand. As ogres, giants and ogresses yakshas are popular as well in Thai folklore.
"ย ยักษ์", (yo yak) is also used as an illustration in order to name the letter ย, the 34th consonant of the Thai alphabet, according to the traditional letter symbols Thai children use to memorize the alphabet.[8] Yaksha and Yakshini in Jainism
Jains mainly worship idols of Arihants and Tirthankaras, who have conquered the inner passions and attained God-consciousness status. Some Jains also believe that Yaksha and Yakshini look after the well-being of Tirthankaras. Usually, they are found in pair around the idols of Jinas as male (yaksha) and female (yakshini) guardian deities. Yaksha is generally on the right-hand side of the Jina idol and Yakshini on the left-hand side. In earlier periods, they were regarded mainly as devotees of Jina, and have supernatural powers. They are also wandering through the cycles of births and deaths just like the worldly souls, but have supernatural powers. Over time, people started worshiping these deities as well.[9]
Some sections of Jains looked at yaksas and yaksanis for the immediate returns, and gave them the places in their temples. Some Yaksa were and are known for bestowing fertility and wealth upon their devotes. Therefore, they had become very popular and their idols had been placed in Jain temples and Jains worship them. Jains offer them different things in favor of boons for children, wealth or freedom from fears, illness or disease.[citation needed]
Jainism provides very clear foundations and guidelines, and it is up to every individual jains to decide which idols to worship and which ones that should just be acknowledged. Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi Jains of the Svetambara and Taranpanthi Jains of the Digambaras do not believe in idol worshiping.[citation needed]
