Vakkhali: 1 definition
Introduction:
Vakkhali 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)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraVakkhali (वक्खलि) is the name of a Ṛṣi from Śūrpāraka, as mentioned in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 39. According to the Mūlasarvāstivāda-Vinayavastu (Divyāvadāna), Vakkhali, whose name means “clothed in bark”, was a Ṛṣi dwelling on Mount Musalaka, not far from Śūrpāraka in Aparānta. Having seen the Buddha from the top of this mountain, he felt great admiration for him and felt strongly drawn to him and, so as to join him more quickly, he threw himself into the void. The Buddha caught him by his magical power, taught him the Dharma and ordained him by the quick method. He declared Vakkhali to be the foremost of those who feel faith toward him.
Note: the same episode is told in the Pāli sources (Apadāna, commentary on Anguttara, commentary on Dhammapada), but these make Vakkhali to be a Brāhmin native of Śrāvastī who, long after his ordination, threw himself from the top of Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata in despair of being deprived of seeing the Buddha.
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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Search found 1 books and stories containing Vakkhali; (plurals include: Vakkhalis). 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)
Appendix 5 - The story of Vakkhali < [Chapter XXXIX - The Ten Powers of the Buddha according to the Abhidharma]
Appendix 3 - Suicide in Buddhism (ātmavadha) < [Chapter XX - The Virtue of Generosity and Generosity of the Dharma]
The Maraṇasmṛti-sūtra < [Part 2 - The Eight Recollections according to the Abhidharma]