Maitricitta, Maitrīcitta, Maitri-citta: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Maitricitta 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Maitrichitta.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraMaitrīcitta (मैत्रीचित्त) refers to a “mind of loving-kindness”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 32.—When the Yogin, by means of this mind of loving-kindness (maitrīcitta), thinks about the noble people (ārya-pudgala) who have found the Path, this is an ‘immense’ mind because he is using immense means to distinguish these noble people. When he thinks about the noble abodes (āvāsa) of gods and men, this is an ‘extended’ mind. When he thinks about lower beings (hīnasattva) and the three unfortunate (durgati) destinies, this is a ‘vast’ mind.
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the GaganagañjaparipṛcchāMaitrīcitta (मैत्रीचित्त) means “(to meditate on) friendly thoughts”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, as the Lord said to Brahmā Prabhāvyūha: “[...] (22) Further, ‘the root of good’ is to learn the root of insight, ‘merit’ is to reflect on what he learned, and ‘knowledge’ is to fulfill the insight. (23) Further, ‘the root of good’ is to be equal to all living beings, ‘merit’ is to meditate on friendly thoughts (maitrīcitta-samāpatti), and ‘knowledge’ is to be friendly to all beings with the sameness of open space. [...]”.
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: Maitri, Citta.
Starts with: Maitricittamaniskara.
Full-text: Sattvalambana, Prithagjana, Pratigrahaka, Akshina, Maitricittamaniskara, Dridha, Dayaka, Avasa, Aryapudgala, Hinasattva, Shaiksha.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Maitricitta, Maitrīcitta, Maitri-citta, Maitrī-citta; (plurals include: Maitricittas, Maitrīcittas, cittas). 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)
II. Aspects of the immeasurables (apramāṇa) < [Class 3: The four immeasurables]
Appendix 13 - The story of Sunetra < [Chapter XIV - Emission of rays]
III. Fruits of the immeasurables (apramāṇa) < [Class 3: The four immeasurables]