Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön | 2001 | 941,039 words
This page describes “introduction (the city of rajagriha)” as written by Nagarjuna in his Maha-prajnaparamita-sastra (lit. “the treatise on the great virtue of wisdom”) in the 2nd century. This book, written in five volumes, represents an encyclopedia on Buddhism as well as a commentary on the Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnaparamita.
Introduction (the city of Rājagṛha)
Sūtra: The Buddha was dwelling in the city of Rājagṛha (rājagṛhe viharati sma).
Śāstra: This phrase must be explained now.
Question. – Why is it said that the Buddha was dwelling at Rājagṛha instead of describing the teachings of the Prajñāpāramitā directly?
Answer. – The author mentions the place (deśa), the time (kāla) and the individuals (pudgala) so that people will trust (śraddhā) his story.