Pretasutra, Pretasūtra, Preta-sutra: 1 definition

Introduction:

Pretasutra 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)

[«previous next»] — Pretasutra in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Pretasūtra (प्रेतसूत्र).– As is said in a sūtra, there was a preta whose head was like that of a pig (sūka) and foul-smelling insects (pūtikṛmi) came out of his mouth; however, his body was golden in color (suvarṇavarṇāvabhāsa). In a previous lifetime (pūrvake janmani), this preta had been a bhikṣu, but he insulted a stranger monk with harmful words (pāruṣyavāda). Since [as a bhikṣu] he had observed the pure precepts (viśuddhaśīla), his body had radiance; but, having uttered harmful words, stinking insects came out of his mouth.

Mahayana book cover
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.

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