Atthaka, Aṭṭhaka: 3 definitions

Introduction
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
Languages
1. Pali
See also

Introduction:

Atthaka means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Atthaka - A celebrated sage, composer and reciter of sacred runes, mentioned together with nine others (Vamaka, Vamadeva, Vessamitta, Yamataggi, Angirasa, Bharadvaja, Vasettha and Bhagu. Vin.i.245; D.i.104; DA.i.273), as the ancient rsis of the brahmins. They abstained from food at unseasonable times. They were the first teachers of the Tevijja Brahmins (D.i.238) and great sacrifices were conducted by them (A.iv.61).

Various teachings are attributed to them, e.g. that they recognised five kinds of Brahmins - brahmasama, devasama, mariyada, sambhinnamariyada, and brahmanacandala (A.iii.224ff). These sages did not claim to have discerned and realised the five qualities truth, austerities, chastity, study and munificence - specified by the brahmins for the attainment of merit and the achievement of what is right (M.ii.199-200), though their followers behaved as if they did. Nor did they claim that they personally saw and knew that here alone resides the truth and everything else is vain. (M.ii.169) In the Vimanavatthu Commentary it is said that the Buddha had realised those things of which these sages thought and for which they wished (p.265). (Brahmacintitan ti brahmehi Atthakadihi cintitam, pancacakkhuna dittham).

It is said that Atthaka and the other seers had the divine eye and had incorporated the teachings of Kassapa Buddha into their own scriptures. Thus (at that time) the three Vedas were in conformity with the Dhamma. But later the brahmins went back on these teachings (DA.i.273).

Atthaka is generally identified with Astaka mentioned as the author of Rg veda x.104, unless the name be taken as a corrupt reading under which some representation of Atri may lurk. VT.ii.130, n.2.

2. Atthaka - King. Mentioned in a list of kings who in times past had been unable to get beyond the domain of sense in spite of making great gifts and holding great sacrifices. J.vi.99.

3. Atthaka - King. Mentioned in a list of former kings who had followed righteousness and who, by waiting diligently on ascetics and recluses, had gone to Sakkas heaven. J.vi.251.

4. Atthaka - King. When Dandaka, having sinned against Kisavaccha, was destroyed with his realm, three of the subordinate lords within his kingdom - Kalinga, Atthaka and Bhimaratha - went to consult the Bodhisatta Sarabhanga on the fate of Dandaka and his fellow sinners. Their doubts were set at rest, and at the end of Sarabhangas discourse they became free of their sensuality (kamaraga) (J.v.135-49). Sakka himself was present at the interview and asked questions of Sarabhanga.

5. Atthaka - Pacceka Buddha. Mentioned in a nominal list. M.iii.70; Ap.i.107.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

aṭṭhaka : (nt.) a group of eight.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Aṭṭhaka, (adj.) (Sk. aṣṭaka) — 1. eightfold Vin. I, 196 = Ud. 59 (°vaggikāni); VvA. 75 = DhA. III, 104 (°bhatta).—2. °ā (f.) the eight day of the lunar month (cp. aṭṭhamī), in phrase rattīsu antar’aṭṭhakāsu in the nights between the eighths, i.e. the 8^th day before and after the full moon Vin. I, 31, 288 (see Vin Texst I. 130ⁿ); M. I, 79; A. I, 136; Miln. 396; J. I, 390.—3. °ṃ (nt.) an octad Vv 67² (aṭṭh° eight octads = 64); VvA. 289, 290. On sabbaṭṭhaka see aṭṭha B 1 a. See also antara. (Page 16)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Relevant text

Search found 15 books and stories containing Atthaka, Aṭṭhaka; (plurals include: Atthakas, Aṭṭhakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Part 8 - Hard to become even a Future Buddha < [Chapter 2 - Rare Appearance of a Buddha]

Brahmacariya-Pañcama Sīla < [Chapter 6 - On Pāramitā]

Part 1 - Discourse on the practice of Meditation < [Chapter 20 - The Six Princes achieved different Attainments]

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Part 11 - Niddesa Pali < [Chapter VIII - Khuddaka Nikaya]

Part 5 - Suttampata Pali < [Chapter VIII - Khuddaka Nikaya]

Part 8 - Atthaka Nipata Pali < [Chapter VII - Anguttara Nikaya]

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2.5(e). Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numerical Discourses of the Buddha) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

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Discourse 16 - The Discourse At Isigili < [Discourses]

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