Karika

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Karika (कारिका) is a short form of Sanskrit literature. A Karika is a brief, metrical verse that explains a key idea, usually a philosophical one, in a clear, aphoristic way. Because they are compact, Karikas are easy to memorize and recite, and they help explain difficult ideas in Indian philosophy. They often appear as verses that provide insight or analysis on a main text, in Hindu and Buddhist works. Notable examples include Gaudapada’s Karika on the Mandukya Upanishad, which explains Advaita Vedanta, and Nagarjuna’s Mulamadhyamaka Karika, which presents the Buddhist Middle Way. There are many important Karikas across Hindu and Buddhist traditions.