Mahavaidya, Mahāvaidya, Maha-vaidya: 1 definition
Introduction:
Mahavaidya 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)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraMahāvaidya (महावैद्य) refers to “great physicians”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 1.—Accordingly: “All beings are afflicted by the sicknesses of the fetters. In the course of beginningless transmigration, never has anyone been able to cure these sicknesses that are misunderstood by the bad heretical teachers.—[The Buddha says to beings]—‘Today I have appeared in the world as the great king of physicians (mahāvaidya-rāja); I have compounded the medicine of the Dharma and you should take it’. This is why the Buddha preaches the Mahāprajñāpāramitāsūtra”.
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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Search found 2 books and stories containing Mahavaidya, Mahā-vaidya, Mahāvaidya, Maha-vaidya; (plurals include: Mahavaidyas, vaidyas, Mahāvaidyas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 1.16.178 < [Chapter 16 - The Glories of Śrī Haridāsa Ṭhākura]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Part 6 - Why the arhats surround the Buddha < [Chapter VI - The Great Bhikṣu Saṃgha]