Kumbhavalaya, Kumbha-valaya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kumbhavalaya 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Kumbhavalaya in Mahayana glossary
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Kumbhavalaya (कुम्भवलय) refers to “jars placed in a circuit” (as part of an offering ritual), according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [as the Bhagavān teaches the offering of the root spell], “[...] A consecration with a fillet should be made. A flower garland should be offered. Jars with seven kinds of liquids should be placed in a circuit (kumbhavalaya). Curd, milk, rice grains, kṣura with candied sugar and honey, fruits and flowers should be thrown there. [...]”.

Mahayana book cover
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.

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