Carana

By Swami Harshananda

Caraṇa literally means ‘that by which one moves’.

Caraṇa, General Meaning

The word ‘caraṇa’ has been used in several senses like:

• Foot
• A quarter of verse
• Pillar of a temple
• Part of a musical composition in Carnatic music

Caraṇa as per Vedas

In the Vedic terminology, it refers to a branch of the Veda in a much larger sense and the group of people who study it. It includes not only the particular śākhā but also its allied literature like the law-books.

Caraṇa as per Buddhism

In Buddhism, it refers to the eight aspects of character like fearlessness and self-control, fit to be cultivated.

References

• The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore