Acintyadharma, Acintya-dharma: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Acintyadharma 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Achintyadharma.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Acintyadharma in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Acintyadharma (अचिन्त्यधर्म) refers to “incomprehensible things”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 41).—Accordingly, “[The eighteen āveṇika-dharmas (‘special attributes’)]—[...] (5). The Buddha has no non-concentrated mind.—[...] Moreover, among the five incomprehensible things (acintyadharma), the attributes of the Buddha are the most incomprehensible: these eighteen special attributes (āveṇikadharma) are the profound treasure (gambhīranidhāna) of the Buddha. Who can understand them? This is why it is certain that the Buddha has no non-concentrated mind. Although the Buddha enters into concentration, he does not have these coarse minds (audārikacitta) of investigation (vitarka) and analysis (vicāra) and, having incomprehensible knowledge (acintyajñāna), he can preach the Dharma. [...]”.

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Acintyadharma (अचिन्त्यधर्म) refers to “inconceivable qualities”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] A hundred thousand gods, having let fall the rain of flowers and played the celestial cymbals, uttered a joyous utterance: ‘Living beings who, having heard this teaching, believe it, embrace it, practice it, and proceed to the realm of the Buddha. All the Buddha-fields, where the Awakened Lords appear, are adorned with ornaments and respected by the wise. Why is that? When the Buddhas appear, such dharma will be taught, and the good men endowed with inconceivable qualities (acintyadharma) will see it’”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

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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