Abmandala, Abmaṇḍala, Ap-mandala: 1 definition
Introduction:
Abmandala 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 SastraAbmaṇḍala (अब्मण्डल) refers to the “circle of waters”, according to a note at Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 51.—According to the canonical sūtras (Dīgha; Kośavyākhyā), the earth (pṛthivī) rests upon the water (udaka) or Circle of waters (abmaṇḍala); the water or Circle of waters rests on wind (vāyu); the wind rests on space (ākāśa); space does not rest upon anything.—In this summary, there is no mention of gold (kañcana) or diamond (vajra). Later scholasticism, particularly that of the Sarvāstivādins (Kośa; Kośabhāṣya) gives more details:
Superimposed on the Circle of wind (vāyumaṇḍala), the Circle of waters (abmaṇḍala), 1,120,000 yojanas high. But after a certain time, stirred by the winds that create the power of actions, the water becomes gold (kāñcana) in its upper part, just as boiled milk becomes cream. Then the Circle splits into two parts: (a).—A lower part constituting the Circle of waters proper, 800,000 yojanas high; (b).—An upper part, 320,000 yojanas high, called the earth of gold (kāñcanamayī-mahī) in the Kośabhāṣya, [...]. The Circle of waters and the earth of gold are equal in diameter (1,203, 450 yojana) and in perimeter (3,610,350 yojana).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ab, Ap, Mandala.
Full-text: Vayumandala, Kancanamayi, Prithivi.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Abmandala, Abmaṇḍala, Ap-mandala, Ab-maṇḍala, Ap-maṇḍala, Ab-mandala; (plurals include: Abmandalas, Abmaṇḍalas, mandalas, maṇḍalas). 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)
Part 12 - Changing the surrounding ground into diamond < [Chapter LI - Seeing all the Buddha Fields]
Act 1.6: Definition of trisāhasramahāsāhasralokadhātu < [Chapter XIV - Emission of rays]