विचार
vicāra
The English word "thought" can be translated into Sanskrit as विचार (vicāra).
विचार refers to a representation created in the mind. In a more specific or formal context, it can denote thoughtful investigation, examination or analysis. The concept can also be extended into the word विचारशीलता to describe the quality of being thoughtful or deliberate.
Meaning: representation created in the mind (noun)
Which one should you use?
While विचार is a general term for thought or investigation, other Sanskrit terms describe specific types of mental activity: Chintana refers to the act of thinking or contemplating in a formal and reflective manner. Manana represents the process of thinking, pondering or reflecting upon a subject. And Kalpana denotes imagination or the act of conceptualizing in a creative and innovative way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun विचार has several forms depending on its role in a sentence. The plural form is विचाराः (vicārāḥ), meaning "thoughts". The ablative singular form is विचारात् (vicārāt), which is used to indicate separation or origin from a thought.
How do you pronounce it?
vicāra
Did you know?
- In the tradition of yoga, विचार (vicāra) is not just a random thought but a formal spiritual tool used to dissolve ignorance and discover the true self.
- In Sanskrit, the concept of 'imagination' is expressed through कल्पना (kalpana), a word that literally describes the act of 'weaving' a thought together like a piece of fabric.
- While विचार (vicāra) means 'thought', it is also used in legal contexts to mean 'judgment' or 'verdict', much like the deliberations of a jury.
Examples in context
- मम एकः विचारः अस्ति।mama ekaḥ vicāraḥ asti.I have a thought.
- तव विचारः अतीव सुन्दरः अस्ति।tava vicāraḥ atīva sundaraḥ asti.Your thought is very beautiful.
- एषः उत्तमः विचारः अस्ति।eṣaḥ uttamaḥ vicāraḥ asti.This is a good thought.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new project.
- इशान Ishanईशा, मयि एकः नवीनः विचारः अस्ति।īśā, mayi ekaḥ navīnaḥ vicāraḥ asti.Isha, I have a new thought.
- ईशा Ishaवद इशान, तव विचारः किम् अस्ति?vada iśāna, tava vicāraḥ kim asti?Tell me Ishan, what is your thought?
- इशान Ishanवयं मिलित्वा कार्यं कुर्मः।vayaṃ militvā kāryaṃ kurmaḥ.We should work together.
- ईशा Ishaएषः विचारः अति सुन्दरः अस्ति।eṣaḥ vicāraḥ ati sundaraḥ asti.This thought is very beautiful.
