Indriyabhavana Sutta, Indriyabhāvanā-sutta: 1 definition

Introduction:

Indriyabhavana Sutta 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)

[«previous next»] — Indriyabhavana Sutta in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Preached at Kajangala in the Mukheluvana. When a young brahmin, Uttara, pupil of Parapariya, visits the Buddha, the Buddha asks him what was the teaching of Parasariya on the development of the indriyas. It is that a man should neither see forms with his eyes, nor hear words with his ears, says Uttara. Whereupon the Buddha retorts that in that case the deaf and the blind have reached development. When Uttara sits silent and discomfited, Ananda intervenes and begs the Buddha to expound his teaching on the subject. The Buddha agrees and preaches this sutta, with a variety of similes (M.iii.298-302).

In the Theragatha Commentary (ii.17) we are told that the thera Parapariya (probably identical with Parasariya mentioned above) was taught the Indriyabhavana Sutta by the Buddha. He learnt it by heart, and pondering over its meaning, attained insight. The Theragatha (vv.726ff) gives a summary of the musings of Parapariya which lead to his attainment.

The only connection between the Sutta and this summary is identity of subject, not identity of treatment. Perhaps Parapariyas musings were only prompted by the sutta and were independent of its actual words.

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).

Discover the meaning of indriyabhavana sutta in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

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