In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Karṇasumana (कर्णसुमन) (also called Sumanas or Karṇasumana) is the name of a Buddhist Bhikṣu according to the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLV.—Accordingly, “the Bhikṣu Karṇasumana, in a previous lifetime, saw the stūpa of the Buddha Vipaśyin and gave it the sumanā flower that he was wearing behind his ear. As a result of this, for eighty-one kalpas he enjoyed happiness among gods and men and, in his last lifetime, he had behind his ear a sumanā flower the perfume of which filled the whole house; this is why he was called Karṇasumana. Then, disgusted with the world, he went forth from home and obtained the Bodhi of the Arhats”.

Notes: when he was but seven years of age, Sumana was ordained by Aniruddha (commentary on Dhammapda). He may be identified, perhaps, with the Sumana who represented the monks from Pāvā at the second Council at Vaiśālī (cf. Vinaya; Dīpavaṃsa; Mahāvaṃsa).

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Sumana.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Karnasumana, Karṇasumana; (plurals include: Karnasumanas, Karṇasumanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

The Avadāna of Sumana (or Sumanas, Karṇasumana) < [Part 1 - Obtaining easily an immense qualification]

IX. Logical order of the Eight Recollections < [Part 2 - The Eight Recollections according to the Abhidharma]

Introduction to fourth volume < [Introductions]

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