Kayavarna, Kāyavarṇa, Kaya-varna: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Kayavarna 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
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: MDPI Books: The Ocean of HeroesKāyavarṇa (कायवर्ण) refers to the “color of the body circle” (i.e., white), according to the 10th-century Ḍākārṇava-tantra: one of the last Tibetan Tantric scriptures belonging to the Buddhist Saṃvara tradition consisting of 51 chapters.—Accordingly: “Now, I explain the Body Circle (kāyacakra) colored in body–speech–mind (mixture of white, red, and black) [kāyavākcittavarṇakam]. Wheel-turning Yoginīs are in the middles of the thirty-six spokes.—[...] He should make the color [of their bodies] similar to their own circle (mixture of white, red, and black). The weaponry in hand are as before. [...]”.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraKāyavarṇa (कायवर्ण) refers to the “color of one’s body”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 36.—Accordingly, [while explaining how the physical qualities of the Buddha should be recollected]: “[...] (12) His Brahmic voice is deep and carries afar; those who hear him rejoice and are never tired of listening. (13) The color of his body (kāyavarṇa) is marvelous, more beautiful than the gold of the Jāmbu river. (14) A halo one arm-span in width surrounds his body, of varied colors, incomparable in beauty. [...]”.
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)
Starts with: Kayavarnaka.
Full-text: Buddhakayavarnaparinishpattyabhinirhara, Abhinirhara.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Kayavarna, Kāyavarṇa, Kaya-varna, Kāya-varṇa; (plurals include: Kayavarnas, Kāyavarṇas, varnas, varṇas). 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)
I. Recollection of the Buddha (3): Physical marks and superhuman power < [Part 2 - The Eight Recollections according to the Abhidharma]