sarva

In Sanskrit, 

sarva (सर्व) is an adjective and pronoun that primarily translates to "all,""every," "whole," or "entire."

It is one of the most frequently used words in Sanskrit, serving as the root for many philosophical and common terms.

1. Primary Meanings

• All/Every: Refers to the totality of a group or category.
• Whole/Entire: Refers to the completeness of a single object or concept.
• Universal: Relating to everything without exception.

2. Usage in Sanskrit Samples

• Bhagavad Gītā (18.66):

  sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṃ śaraṇaṃ vraja
  Translation: "Abandon all (sarva) varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me."

• Common Prayer:

  sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
  Translation: "May all (sarve, plural) beings be happy."

• Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad (1.1):

  sarvaṃ hy etad brahma
  Translation: "All (sarvaṃ, neuter) this is indeed Brahman."

3. Key Compound Derivatives

• Sarvatra (सर्वत्र): Everywhere (all places).
• Sarvadā (सर्वदा): Always (all times).
• Sarvajña (सर्वज्ञ): All-knowing (omniscient).
• Sarva-bhūta (सर्वभूत): All living beings.
• Sarvātman (सर्वात्मन्): The universal soul (the self of all).

4. Comparison with Related Terms

• Viśva (विश्व): Also means "all" or "universe," often used in a more cosmic or poetic sense.
• Pūrṇa (पूर्ण): Means "full" or "complete" (referring to fullness rather than a count of items).
• Akhila (अखिल): Means "entire" or "without gaps."

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References: Sanskrit Dictionary: Lexicon entries for Sarva Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Sarva Wisdom Library: Definition and Grammar of Sarva Bhagavad Gītā 18.66: Translation and Analysis Upaniṣad Samples: Sarva in Philosophical Context

tantra

In Sanskrit, 

tantra (तन्त्र) literally translates to "loom," "warp," or "weave". The term is derived from the verbal root tan (तन्), meaning "to extend," "to spread," or "to stretch". 

Over centuries, its meaning has evolved from a physical weaving tool into a diverse range of technical and philosophical concepts.

1. Etymological and Literal Meanings

The word is fundamentally connected to the metaphor of interweaving threads on a loom: 

• Tan (तन्): To stretch, expand, grow, or spin out.
• Tra (त्र): A suffix often indicating an instrument or tool.
• Combined Meaning: Many traditions interpret tantra as an "instrument for expansion" (tanoti—expansion; trayati—liberation). 

2. General Meanings in Indian Traditions

In a broad sense, tantra refers to any systematic, broadly applicable framework or system: 

• System or Theory: A systematic method, technique, or doctrine.
• Manual or Treatise: An instructional text or handbook, particularly in fields like medicine (Ayurveda), grammar, or astronomy.
• Framework: The main point, principal part, or model of a larger work. 

3. Philosophical and Spiritual Contexts

By the middle of the 1st millennium CE, tantra became a specific bibliographic and religious category: 

• Esoteric Traditions: A yogic and ritualistic path focusing on the expansion of consciousness and liberation (mokṣa) while living in the physical world.
• Weaving the Physical and Spiritual: It signifies the "weaving together" of the body and mind, or the microcosm (individual) and macrocosm (universe).
• Dialogue-Based Texts: Scriptures often presented as a dialogue between a god (typically Shiva) and a goddess (Shakti). 

4. Modern Distinctions

• Traditional Meaning: A structured path for spiritual growth through mantras, rituals, and meditation.
• Western Connotation: Often incorrectly limited to "sexual spiritualism" or eroticism, which scholars clarify is only a rare, specific aspect of some tantric schools. 

anyatra

In Sanskrit, 

anyatra (अन्यत्र) is an indeclinable adverb (avyaya) that translates to "elsewhere," "somewhere else," or "in another place." [1, 2]

It is formed by adding the suffix -tra (denoting location) to the word anya ("another" or "other"). [2]

1. Primary Meanings

• Spatial: "Elsewhere," "in another place," or "to another place." [2, 3]
• Contextual: "In another case," "otherwise," or "on another occasion." [2, 3]
• Comparative: "Except for" or "other than" (often used with the ablative case). [3]

2. Usage in Sanskrit Literature

The term is frequently used in philosophical debates and narratives to redirect attention or establish a contrast. [3]

• Bhagavad Gītā (9.15):

  ...ekatvena pṛthaktvena bahudhā viśvato-mukham
  (While not using anyatra directly, this verse discusses worshipping the Divine in other (anyatra) forms or as a manifold unity.) [4]

• General Prose (Pancatantra/Hitopadesha):

  anyatra gamyatām
  Translation: "Let us go elsewhere" or "Go somewhere else." [5]

3. Key Compound Phrases

• Yathānyatra (यथान्यत्र): "As in another place" or "as elsewhere." [2]
• Anyatrabha (अन्यत्रभ): "Born or produced elsewhere." [2]
• Anyatratra (अन्यत्रत्र): "In another place" (a less common, reinforced form). [2]

4. Comparison with Location Adverbs

• Atra (अत्र): Here [1]
• Tatra (तत्र): There [1]
• Kutra (कुत्र): Where? [1]
• Sarvatra (सर्वत्र): Everywhere [1]
• Anyatra (अन्यत्र): Elsewhere [1, 2]

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References:
[1] Sanskrit Adverbs of Place
[2] Wisdom Library: Definition and Grammar of Anyatra
[3] Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Anyatra
[4] Bhagavad Gītā 9.15 Translation
[5] Sanskrit Lexicon: Usage in Classical Literature