amṛta

The Sanskrit word 

अमृत (amṛta), also transliterated as amrita or amrit, fundamentally translates to "immortality" or "nectar". 

Etymology and Core Meaning

The word is a negative compound (a nañ-tatpuruṣa) formed by combining two elements:

• अ- (a-): The negative prefix, meaning "not" or "without".
• मृत (mṛta): The past participle of the root mṛ, meaning "dead" or "mortal". 

Thus, amṛta literally means "not dead" or "deathless". It is a cognate of the Greek word ambrosia, which carries a similar meaning. 

Significance and Usage

Amṛta is a central and powerful concept in Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism), symbolizing eternal life, divine bliss, and spiritual purity. 

• The Nectar of the Gods (Hinduism): In Hindu mythology, Amṛta is the divine "elixir of life" or "ambrosia" that the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) famously churned from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra Manthana legend. Consuming it granted the gods their perpetual vitality and power.
• Spiritual Liberation (Buddhism/Yoga): In a spiritual context, amṛta often refers to the ultimate goal of liberation (mokṣa or nirvāṇa), a "deathless dimension" of the mind achieved through deep meditation and self-awareness.
• Healing Herb (Ayurveda): In Ayurvedic medicine, Amṛtā (feminine form) is a common name for the Tinospora cordifolia plant (known as Guduchi or Giloy), a revered herb considered an "elixir" for its immunity-boosting and rejuvenating properties.
• Sacred Water (Sikhism): In Sikhism, Amrit is the name of the holy water used in the baptism-like Amrit Sanchar ceremony, which initiates Sikhs into the Khalsa order.
• Metaphorical: It is used broadly to describe anything supremely sweet, pure, or life-giving, such as divine words (Amrit Bani) or the "sweet rain of Dharma". 

more samples:

The Sanskrit word 

अमृत (amṛta), meaning "nectar," "immortality," or "deathless," is one of the most frequently used terms in devotional, philosophical, and scriptural literature, particularly concerning cosmology and liberation.

Here are samples of amṛta used in various Sanskrit texts:

1. In the Bhagavad Gitā (Chapter 2, Verse 15)

Lord Krishna uses the concept of "immortality" as a defining characteristic of one who transcends material dualities.

• Sanskrit:

  yaṃ hi na vyathayanty ete puruṣaṃ puruṣarṣabha |
  sama-duḥkha-sukhaṃ dhīraṃ so 'mṛtatvāya kalpate ||

• Translation:

  "The person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for immortality (amṛtatvāya, related form)."

• Sanskrit (Chapter 4, Verse 31):

  yajña-śiṣṭāmṛta-bhujo yānti brahma sanātanam |

• Translation:

  "Those who taste the nectar (amṛta) remnants of sacrifice attain the eternal Brahman."

2. In the Samudra Manthana Legend (From Viṣṇu Purāṇa, etc.)

This myth is the most famous narrative use of the word, describing the elixir of the gods.

• Sanskrit: ...amṛta-manthana...
• Translation: "...the churning for nectar..."
• Sanskrit: ...jātā amṛta-kuṇḍa-hastā dhana-vantarī...
• Translation: "...Dhanvantari appeared, bearing a pot of nectar (amṛta) in his hands..."

3. In the Aṣṭāṅga-hṛdaya (Ayurvedic Text)

In Ayurvedic medicine, amṛta refers to a specific medicinal herb or vital quality.

• Sanskrit: amṛtā guḍūcī śreṣṭhā...
• Translation: "The best [herb] is amrita (Guduchi)..."

4. In Devotional Poetry (Stotras)

Amṛta is often used metaphorically to describe divine words or experiences as sweet nectar.

• Sanskrit: amṛta-vāṇī
• Translation: "Voice like nectar" (or "nectar-like speech").

artha

The Sanskrit word 

अर्थ (artha), a masculine or neuter noun, is a highly versatile term with a wide range of translations that depend heavily on the context. 

Its most common meanings include:

• Meaning, Sense, or Intent: The literal or philosophical meaning of a word, concept, or purpose.
• Purpose, Aim, or Goal: The objective behind an action or life itself. The term Puruṣārtha refers to the four main goals of human life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).
• Wealth, Property, or Resources: Material well-being, economic prosperity, and the means necessary for a fulfilling life.
• Advantage, Profit, or Utility: The practical use or benefit derived from something. 

Significance in Hindu Philosophy

In Hinduism, Artha is one of the four Puruṣārthas, or aims of human existence. It specifically sanctions the pursuit of wealth, career, and material security as a necessary and appropriate part of life, especially for a householder. 

However, the pursuit of Artha must always be balanced and regulated by Dharma(righteousness or moral duty) to prevent greed and social disorder. 

The ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and economics, the Arthaśāstra, literally translates to the "Science of Wealth" or "Science of Political Economy," covering topics like governance, law, and diplomacy. 

For more definitions and usage examples, you can consult online Sanskrit dictionaries like the Sanskrit Dictionary.

more samples:

The Sanskrit word 

अर्थ (artha), meaning "purpose," "wealth," or "meaning," is a cornerstone of Indian philosophy, ethics, and everyday language.

Here are samples of artha used in various Sanskrit texts and common phrases:

1. In the Dharmaśāstras (Texts on Ethics and Law) - The PuruṣārthaContext

Artha is frequently used when discussing the four primary goals of human life (Puruṣārthas), alongside dharma (duty/righteousness), kāma (pleasure/desire), and mokṣa (liberation).

• Sanskrit (Manu Smṛti context):

  dharma-artha-kāmair aviruddhaiḥ...

• Translation:

  "[Engage in] righteousness, wealth (or utility/purpose), and pleasure, provided they are not contradictory [to one another]."

• Sanskrit: dharma-artha-kuśalaḥ
• Translation: "Skilled in both moral duty (dharma) and material well-being(artha)."

2. In the Arthaśāstra (Kautilya's Treatise on Statecraft)

The title of this famous text directly uses the term in its economic/political sense.

• Sanskrit: Arthaśāstra
• Translation: "The Science of Wealth," "Treatise on Political Economy," or "Science of [Material] Advantage/Governance."

3. In Philosophical Texts (Meaning/Intention Context)

Artha is used to denote the literal or intended meaning behind words or philosophical concepts.

• Sanskrit: śabda-artha
• Translation: "The meaning of a word" (word-meaning).
• Sanskrit: ...vedasya artha jñātum...
• Translation: "...to know the meaning (or the objective) of the Vedas..."

4. In General Conversational Sanskrit and Fables

It is used in everyday language to discuss purpose, benefit, or money.

• Sanskrit: kasya artham idam?
• Translation: "For what purpose is this?"
• Sanskrit: artham cintayati
• Translation: "[He/she] thinks about money (or a specific goal)."
• Sanskrit: artha-lābhaḥ
• Translation: "Acquisition of wealth" or "profit/gain".