Karunacitta, Karuṇācitta, Karuna-citta: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Karunacitta 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Karunachitta.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraKaruṇacitta (करुणचित्त) refers to “compassion”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 7.—Accordingly: “[Question]:—How do we know whether a bodhisattva is with regression or without regression? [Answer]:—[...] Finally, the Bodhisattva who possesses three dharmas is without regression: 1) Resolutely he has made the vow to become Buddha, and this resolution is unshakeable and infrangible like diamond. 2) His compassion (karuṇacitta) for all beings penetrates his bones and marrow. 3) He has attained the samādhi of wisdom and sees all the Buddhas of the present. Thus he is called non-regressing Bodhisattva”.
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on AgricultureKaruṇācitta (करुणाचित्त) refers to “compassion”, according to the 2nd-century Meghasūtra (“Cloud Sutra”) in those passages which contain ritual instructions.—Accordingly, “He who desires a mighty rain must perform this rite ‘the great-cloud-circle’ in an open space, overspread by a blue canopy, shaded by a blue banner, on a clear spot of earth; [...] And the prophet of the Law, with his own safety secured, and living in goodwill, shall behave towards all beings with compassion (karuṇācitta), [and] after prayers to all the Buddhas and Bodhisatvas shall perform this rite to the snakes with the motive of his own prosperity. Afterward, at a season of drought, he shall recite this chapter “The great-cloud-circle”, for one day or for two, until it needs shall rain seven nights. [...]”.
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)
Partial matches: Karuna, Citta.
Ends with: Mahakarunacitta.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Karunacitta, Karuṇācitta, Karuṇā-citta, Karuna-citta; (plurals include: Karunacittas, Karuṇācittas, cittas). 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)
III. Fruits of the immeasurables (apramāṇa) < [Class 3: The four immeasurables]
II. Aspects of the immeasurables (apramāṇa) < [Class 3: The four immeasurables]
V. Purifying great offerings < [Part 3 - Acquiring precedence, etc.]
The Practice Manual of Noble Tārā Kurukullā (by Dharmachakra Translation Committee)
Chapter 2 < [Appendix - Sanskrit Text]