In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Mahātyāgavat (महात्यागवत्) is the name of a Bodhisattva according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter VII).—“the Bodhisattva Ta che (Mahātyāgavat), putting his life at the disposal of all his friends, swore to empty the water of the ocean until it was completely dry, and his resolve was firm. Here again, the Bodhisattva praised the Buddha Puṣya for seven days and seven nights standing on one leg without blinking his eyes”.

Note: The story of Mahātyāgavat is also found in the Mahāvastu II; Lieou tou tsi king; Hien yu king; King liu yi siang. The theme of the man who tried to empty the water of the ocean is met again in an anecdote of the Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya, translated by Chavannes, Contes II, and in the Cheng king

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: Nyagrodha, Viryaparamita.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Mahatyagavat, Mahātyāgavat; (plurals include: Mahatyagavats, Mahātyāgavats). 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 lives of Mahātyāgavat < [Part 14 - Generosity and the other virtues]

4. Generosity and the virtue of exertion < [Part 14 - Generosity and the other virtues]

3. The six virtues (pāramitā) < [Part 4 - The Bodhisattva in the Abhidharma system]

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