Posaha: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Posaha means something in Buddhism, Pali, Jainism, Prakrit. 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 SastraPosaha (पोसह) is a Prakrit word similar to Upavasatha (i.e., the day preceding the lunar quarters, a sacred weekly day or Sabbath), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XXII.—Accordingly, In the Vedas, upavasatha is the day of preparation preceding the Soma sacrifice. The word has passed into Buddhism, not without having gone through transformations: in Pāli, uposatha; in Sanskrit, upoṣadha (Mahāvastu; Avadānakalpalatā), and, more frequently, poṣadha (cf. Lalitavistara; Divyāvadāna; Mahāvyutpatti, no. 9101, 9287). In Jaina Prakrit, there is posaha. Hence the tradtitional Tibetan translation gso-sbyoṅ “that which nourishes (gso = poṣa) the merits and which washes (sbyoṅ = dhav) sins”. The person who is practicing upavāsa is called upoṣadhika (cf. Mahāvastu), poṣadhika (cf. Mahāvyutpatti, no. 8726), poṣadhoṣita (cf. Divyāvadāna) or upavāsastha (cf. Kośa).
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionaryPosaha (पोसह) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit words: Poṣadha, Pauṣadha.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Poshahara.
Full-text: Poshadha, Paushadha, Posatha, Uposhadha, Upavasatha, Uposatha, Uposhadhika, Poshadhika, Poshadhoshita, Upavasastha.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Posaha, Pōsaha; (plurals include: Posahas, Pōsahas). 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)
Part 2 - The eightfold morality of the upavāsastha (introduction) < [Section II.1 - Morality of the lay person or avadātavasana]
Sutrakritanga (English translation) (by Hermann Jacobi)