Significance of Ashtamaka

Ashtamaka, in Mahayana Buddhism, signifies the stage related to the eighth saint, which denotes a specific level in spiritual development. This concept emphasizes the structured progression within spiritual practice, highlighting the importance of achieving various stages of enlightenment. The focus on Ashtamaka reflects the broader Mahayana framework that categorizes spiritual growth and the attainment of wisdom and compassion through distinct stages.

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Buddhist concept of 'Ashtamaka'

Buddhism Books

Ashtamaka in Buddhism represents the stage linked to the eighth saint, indicating a specific level of spiritual development within the broader framework of Buddhist teachings and practices.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The ground associated with the eighth saint, a specific category or stage in spiritual development.[1]

Mahayana 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 sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.