Rathavinita Sutta, Rathavinīta-sutta: 1 definition

Introduction:

Rathavinita Sutta 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

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Rathavinita Sutta in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

The twenty fourth sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya. Sariputta visits Punna Mantaniputta in Andhavana and asks him why he lives the higher life. To attain absolute Nibbana, answers Punna, and, on being questioned further as to the nature of Nibbana, he explains that Nibbana is the goal and can only be attained by passing through various successive stages purity of life, purity of heart, purity of view, purity through dispelling doubts, purity through full insight into paths, right and wrong, into the path to be followed, and the purity which arises from insight. It may be compared to a journey of Pasenadi from Savatthi to Saketa, by means of relays of seven carriages.

It is said in the introduction to the sutta that Sariputta had been awaiting the opportunity of a discussion with Punna ever since he heard the monks at Veluvana in Rajagaha speak of him to the Buddha in terms of the highest praise. But this opportunity did not arise until later, when Punna visited Savatthi. Punna was unaware of the identity of Sariputta until the end of his discourse (M.i.145 51).

The Mahavamsa Tika mentions (MT.552f ) that once Ambapasanavasi Cittagutta preached this sutta to a very large assembly of monks and nuns at the Lohapasada in Anuradhapura, and in his exposition of the sutta included a short account of the relies enshrined in the Maha Thupa.

It has been suggested by Dr. Neumann that the upatisapasina mentioned in Asokas Bhabru Edict, refers to this sutta. But see Rhys Davids, J.R.A.S.1893, and Mukherji, Asoka, 118f., n.8.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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