In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (mahayana)

Mahāsāhasrapramardanasūtra (महासाहस्रप्रमर्दनसूत्र) is the name of an ancient text dealing with Dhāraṇī (rites for the protection of the state).—The setting of this long and complex scripture is Rājagṛha, where the Buddha and the Four Great Kings offer protection from calamities following an earthquake in Vaiśālī. Towards the end, this Sūtra provides detailed instructions for several rituals, including one for the protection of the state. This prescribes that the royal residence should be cleaned and purified with flowers, incense and other offerings. Four maidens should be placed in the four directions with swords in their hands. The dhāraṇī should be recited and written on strips of cloth, mounted on the top of Caityas, trees and banners. Recitation should continue for a fortnight, thus saving the state.

Note: The Mahāsāhasrapramardanasūtra was edited in Iwamoto 1937 based primarily on a paper manuscript from 1553 (CE28), while its rituals are studied in Hidas 2013. The Tibetan translation by Śīlendrabodhi, Jñānasiddhi, Śākyaprabha and Ye shes sde dates to circa 800CE, and the Chinese one was completed by Dānapāla/Shi-hu in 983CE.

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)

Partial matches: Sutra, Mahasahasrapramardana.

Full-text: Mahasahasrapramardana, Rajadhani.

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