Elements of Animate and Inanimate Nature in the Practice of Avadhāna

Abstract

This paper focuses on the practice of avadhāna, which is based on highly developed cognitive skills (ability to concentrate, memory) and showcasing of manifold strengths and knowledge during partially improvised spectacles. Various challenges to be met involve the elements of animate and inanimate nature. The main purpose of the article is to investigate the occurrence of these components and their role in the avadhāna, as well as to examine the possible sources of specialised knowledge in equinology (aśvaśāstra), elephant lore (gajaśāstra) and visual poetry (citrakāvya) required from the avadhāna performers.