samskara

English - English

Definition of samskara in English English dictionary

A term used for psychological conditioning or impressions from past lives

In Hinduism, any of the personal sacraments traditionally observed at every stage of life, from the moment of conception to the scattering of one's funeral ashes. The observance of the samskaras is based on custom and on such texts as the Puranas, and differs considerably according to region, caste, or family. The most generally accepted list of 16 traditional samskaras includes ceremonies for conception, a male birth, name-giving, the upanayana, and marriage. There is also a body of noncanonical samskaras performed by and for the benefit of women

Sanskrit word meaning impression left by a previous thought or action; latent tendency

("activator") Habitual movement of the mind Every action lays down a deposit in the mind, which conditions the mind and leads on to a new activity, thus keeping the doer enmeshed in the world of change

Impression, activator; sanctification, preparation The imprints left on the subconscious mind by experience (from this or previous lives), which then color all of life, one's nature, responses, states of mind, etc

Stored impression, accumulated by experience and made of the forces of karma

Latent impression When an event stored in the subconscious mind cannot be recalled to one's consciousness, it still leaves a dormant impression in our mind Upon being triggered, it will generate a pre-determined thought pattern, desire orbehavior Please see raja yoga