Otara, Otāra: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Otara 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.
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Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionaryotāra : (m.) descent; access; chance; fault.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryOtāra, (fr. otarati, BSk. avatāra. The Sk. avatāra is centuries later and means “incarnation” ) — 1. descent to, i.e. approach to, access, fig. chance, opportunity otāraṃ labhati. Only in the Māra myth. He, the tempter, “gets his chance” to tempt the Buddha or the disciples, M. I, 334; S. I, 122; IV, 178, 185; DhA. III, 121. (avatāraṃ labhati, Divy 144, 145) ot° adhigacchati, to find a chance, Sn. 446. (Fausböll here translates “defect” . This is fair as exegesis. Every moral or intellectual defect gives the enemy a chance. But otāra does not mean defect). Ot° gavesati to seek an opportunity, DhA. III, 21. Otārāpekkha, watching for a chance, S. I, 122. At one passage, A. III, 67 = 259, it is said that constant association leads to agreement, agreement to trust, and trust to otāra. The Com. has nothing. “Carelessness” would suit the context. o. gavesati to look for an opportunity DhA. III, 21, and otāraṃ labhati to get a chance S. I, 122; IV, 178, 185; M. I, 334; DhA. III, 21 (gloss okāra & okāsa); cp. avatāraṃ labhati Divy 144, 145 etc.—2. access, fig. inclination to, being at home with, approach, familiarity (cp. otiṇṇa and avacara adj.) A. III, 67, 259.—3. (influenced by ocarati2 and ociṇṇa) being after something, spying, finding out; hence: fault, blame, defect, flaw Sn. 446 (= randha vivara SnA 393); also in phrase otārâpekkha spying faults S. I, 122 (which may be taken to meaning 1, but meaning 3 is accredited by BSk. avatāraprekṣin Divy 322), Mrs. Rh. D. translates the latter passage by “watching for access”. (Page 166)
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Otaragavesi, Otarana, Otaranem, Otaranta, Otarapekka, Otarati.
Ends with (+27): Adadhotara, Bhujakotara, Bilori Dhotara, Cakkotara, Cakotara, Chakotara, Dadidhotara, Dahotara, Deotara, Dhadadotara, Dhotara, Didhotara, Dotara, Duhotara, Ekotara, Gotara, Hotara, Ikotara, Kaladhotara, Kantedhotara.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Otara, Otāra; (plurals include: Otaras, Otāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
Chapter II - The Jātaka Of The Bull (ṛṣabha) < [Volume III]
Chapter XXIII - Jātaka of the Bird (Śakuntaka) < [Volume II]
Chapter XXV - The Dharmalabdha Jātaka < [Volume III]