Cakkhupala: 1 definition
Introduction:
Cakkhupala 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 NamesAn arahant. He was the son of a landowner, Maha Suvanna of Savatthi, and was called Maha Pala (major Pala), his brother being Culla Pala. The boys were called Pala on account of being born through the favour of a tree deity.
Maha Pala heard the Buddha preach at Jetavana and entered the Order. After five years of novitiate he went with sixty others to a woodland spot to meditate. There he fell a victim to ophthalmia and was prescribed for by a doctor; but he neglected his eyes, devoting his whole time to the duties of recluse ship. He became an arahant but lost the sight of his eyes, hence his name. Later, Cakkhupalas colleagues returned to Savatthi and, at his own request, Cakkhupalas brother sent his nephew Palita, ordained as a monk, to fetch him. On the way through the forest, Palita was attracted by the song of a woodcutters wife and, bidding his uncle wait, went and sinned with her. When Cakkhupala, by questioning the novice, learnt of this, he refused to be accompanied by him, even though he should die on the way. Sakkas throne was heated, and he led the Elder safely to Savatthi, where he was looked after by his brother to the end of his days (Thag.95; ThagA.i.195f).
It is said that in a previous birth he had been a physician, and because a woman, whose disease of the eye he had cured, tried to cheat him out of his promised reward, he gave her a drug which completely ruined her eyes. DhA.i.15ff, where several details are given regarding Cakkhupala which are not mentioned here.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Mahasuvanna, Pala, Cullapala, Mahapala, Palita, Somadeva, Ummapupphiya.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Cakkhupala; (plurals include: Cakkhupalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada (by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw)
Chapter 8 - The Story Of Cakkhupala Thera < [Part 3]
Chapter 9 - The Thera's Verdict < [Part 3]