Significance of Rajagaha
Rajagaha, an ancient city in India, holds profound significance in Buddhism as a center for multiple pivotal events in the Buddha's life and teachings. This city is noted for the Buddha's residence in the cool grove (Jitavana), various teachings, and interactions with followers. It served as a location for important encounters, almsgiving, and the experiences of notable figures. Rajagaha was also designated for gatherings like the First Buddhist Council, reinforcing its critical role in the development and dissemination of Buddhist teachings.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Rajagaha'
Rajagaha, an ancient city in India, served as a vital center for early Buddhism, hosting significant interactions between the Buddha, King Bimbisara, and the monastic community while facilitating numerous essential teachings and events in the Buddha's life.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A city that served as an alms resort for The Buddha during his vassas observed at Veliuvana monastery.[1] (2) The location where the Buddha kept the second, third, and fourth vassa.[2] (3) The city where the Veliuvana Monastery is located and where significant events involving the Buddha and King Suddhodana transpired.[3] (4) The capital city founded by King Bimbisara, significant in the narrative as a site of spiritual encounters.[4] (5) The location where the Buddha stayed after distributing the Dhamma-water among beings.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The location where the Lord stayed initially before setting out on his tour.[6] (2) A place where the story unfolds, where a group of boys, including Upali, resides.[7] (3) The capital city near the Bamboo Grove where significant discussions and teachings take place among monks.[8] (4) The destination the Lord set out for, indicating it is an important place in the narrative.[9] (5) Rajagaha is a city towards which the Lord traveled with the monks.[10]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The destination of Maha Kassapa's journey where the Uposatha is taking place.[11] (2) An ancient city where the Buddha dwelt, particularly noted for being the site of significant teachings.[12] (3) A historical location where the reverend Maha Kappina resided near the deer park of Maddakucchi.[13] (4) A city where the Blessed One resided for a significant period before going to Savatthi.[14] (5) An ancient city in India which was significant as a center of Buddhism and where the Buddha often taught.[15]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The place where the Master spent the winter during his travels.[16] (2) The city referred to as the origin of Little Wayman's family background, including his wealthy grandfather.[17] (3) The city where the brahmin Upasaliha and his son live, significant for their repeated story.[18] (4) A city where the citizens engaged in almsgiving and where the story of Devadatta unfolds.[19] (5) The city where a festival took place, known for its celebration which included heavy drinking and revelry.[20]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A city where the Blessed One arrived and stayed during a period of food scarcity.[21] (2) An ancient city where the Blessed Buddha was staying, known for its significance in Buddhist scriptures.[22] (3) A city to which Devadatta traveled in due course, where he arrived and met prince Ajatasattu.[23] (4) The location chosen by the Thera Bhikkhus to reside during the rainy season for chanting the Dhamma and Vinaya.[24] (5) Rajagaha was the city where the events unfolded, including the proclamation against Devadatta and his interactions with the Blessed One.[25]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The city where significant events of Uggasena’s life, including his performances and eventual enlightenment, take place.[26] (2) The hometown of both Visakha and Dhammadinna, significant in the context of their spiritual and personal transformations.[27] (3) The city related to the story where the events of the alms-giving took place, significant in the Buddhist tradition.[28] (4) The city where the brahman Vangisa lived and conducted his activities related to rebirth.[29] (5) The city where Kumbhaghosaka lived and where a plague epidemic occurred.[30]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A significant location mentioned as the place where certain offences were officially laid down.[31] (2) The location where several serious offences requiring formal meetings were laid down, including defaming a monk.[32] (3) A location mentioned as the place where several offenses requiring a formal meeting were established.[33] (4) Another important location where specific offenses were discussed in the teachings of the monks.[34]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A location frequently referenced, symbolizing the societal context of the monks' lives and their teachings.[35] (2) A city noted as the locus for various monastic events and regulations.[36] (3) The city where the boys lived and the events of the narrative took place.[37] (4) A location mentioned in the text where significant events took place, including a festival.[38]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) A location mentioned where significant events took place.[39] (2) A city where nuns spent the rains, cold weather, and hot weather.[40]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The city where the council was held for the compilation of the dhamma, noted for its resources and cultural significance.[41] (2) Another significant capital where the descendants of Mahasammata reigned.[42]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Rajagaha was a significant city during the time of the Buddha, known for its association with various events in the early Buddhist community.[43]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The city the Bodhisat enters in search of alms, symbolizing his transformation and new path.[44] (2) An ancient city significant in Buddhist texts, where notable events related to the Buddha took place.[45] (3) The city the Master traveled to on the full moon day of the Phussa month.[46] (4) The city where the Master was residing during his teachings.[47] (5) The location where the Buddha preached dhamma, noted as a significant site of Buddhist teachings.[48]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A significant location where some of the Buddha's teachings and interactions with his followers took place.[49]