Saptayojana, Saptan-yojana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Saptayojana 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»] — Saptayojana in Mahayana glossary
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Saptayojana (सप्तयोजन) refers to “(a distance of) seven yojanas”, according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [while describing an offering manual] “[...] All Nāgas will be bound. There will be a closing of the boundaries for seven yojanas [e.g., saptayojana] all around. Having enchanted a vajra 108 times, the Nāgas should be warded off. Having called it to mind only once, one can ward off all winds, clouds and thunderbolts. All are destroyed. [...]”.

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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