Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön | 2001 | 941,039 words
This page describes “why is the buddha called sarvanarottama” as written by Nagarjuna in his Maha-prajnaparamita-sastra (lit. “the treatise on the great virtue of wisdom”) in the 2nd century. This book, written in five volumes, represents an encyclopedia on Buddhism as well as a commentary on the Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnaparamita.
Part 12 - Why is the Buddha called Sarvanarottama
Moreover, the Buddha possesses two things: (i) great qualities (guṇa) and the power of the superknowledges (abhijñā), and (ii) an absolutely pure mind (paramaśuddhacitta) and the destruction of the fetters (saṃyojananirodha). Although the gods have an accumulation of merit (puṇyasaṃbhāra) and miraculous power (ṛddhibala), their fetters are not destroyed and consequently their mind is not pure. Since their mind is impure, their miraculous power is decreased. Among the śrāvakas and the pratyekabuddhas, the fetters are destroyed and the mind is pure; nevertheless, as their accumulation of merit (puṇyasaṃbhāra) is reduced, their power (prabhāva) is weak. In the Buddha, the two qualities [merit and purity of mind] are perfected (paripurṇa). This is why he is called Sarvanarottama, Superior to all men. He is the only one to surpass all men