Kanhajina, Kanhājinā: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kanhajina 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

Daughter of Vessantara and Maddi. She was so called because, at birth, she was laid on a black skin (J.vi.487). When Vessantara retired to the forest, his wife and children accompanied him to Vankagiri. Later, both Kanhajina and her brother Jali were given to Jujaka as slaves and were ill treated by him. For sixty leagues they travelled with him, led and guarded by the gods, till they came to the court of their grandfather Sanjaya, king of Sivi, and there they were released, Kanhajinas price being one hundred elephants, one hundred male and female slaves, etc. The children afterwards rejoined their parents and lived happily at the court (J.vi.513ff).

Kanhajina is identified with Uppalavanna (J.vi.593). In the verses she is sometimes called Kanha (E.g., 546, 548, 553).

Vessantaras gift of his children is considered the greatest of his gifts. E.g., Milinda, 117, 275, 284; Cyp.p.80; DhA.i.406; AA.i.64.

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 kanhajina in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

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