Sthuladravya, Sthūladravya, Sthula-dravya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sthuladravya 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»] — Sthuladravya in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Sthūladravya (स्थूलद्रव्य) refers to a “coarse thing”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 15).—Accordingly, “[...] [Question].—The Buddha is like Mount Sumeru which cannot be moved by the waves (taraṅga) of the great sea; why does he reply here to Samantaraśmi? That is a mark of agitation, for when the mind is concentrated, one does not talk; a certain agitation of the mind is necessary to talk. Preaching the Dharma comes from an arousal (avabodhana) which in itself is a coarse thing (sthūladravya). But the Buddha cannot have anything coarse. [...]”.

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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