manushya | मनुष्य

Manushya (Devanagari: मनुष्य; ISO 15919: manuṣya) refers to Human Beings.

The term is derived from Manu, the first man and progenitor of humanity. Therefore, all descendants of Manu are collectively called Manushya.

Synonyms

• Manav (Devanagari: मानव; ISO 15919: mānava) – Also meaning "of Manu."
• Nara (Devanagari: नर; ISO 15919: nara) – Referring to man or person.

Theological Significance The Manushya form is important due to its uniqueness. Unlike other species which are Bhoga Yonis (species of enjoyment/suffering), the human form is a Karma Yoni (species of action), giving it the unique capacity to perform new karma and attain God-realization.

Further Reading and Reference

• Related Concepts:
  • yoni
  • karma yoni
  • Make This Human Form a Boon For You
  • Self-Realization is Not God-Realization
• Reference: Satsang - Association with Saints, Ch. 2