Agniskandha, Agni-skandha: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Agniskandha means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. 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 Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

[«previous next»] — Agniskandha in Ayurveda glossary
Source: archive.org: Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (first 5 chapters)

Agniskandha (अग्निस्कन्ध) refers to the “fire-heap” or “pyre”, and is mentioned in verse 2.34 of the Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā (Sūtrasthāna) by Vāgbhaṭa.—Accordingly, “[...] one shall not cross a river with one’s arms, nor shall one go near a pyre [viz., agniskandha]. One shall not board a dangerous ship nor (climb) a tree, just as (one shall not get into) a defective vehicle”.

Note: Agniskandha (“fire-heap, pyre”) has been rendered me chen phuṅ-po, lit. “huge fire-heap” (~mahān agnirāśiḥ, Indu); cf. Mahāvyutpatti 224, where mei phuṅ-po chen-po stands for mahān agniskandhaḥ. The Prakrit equivalent agikhaṃdha, which occursin Aśoka’s fourth rock-edict, is explained by Buhleb (ZDMG xxxvii p. 260) as  referring either to bonfires or to scaffolds or pillars for illumination; this interpretation is adopted by Thomas (JRAS 1914 p. 394 sq.), but rejected by Hultzsch (Inscriptions p. 7).

Ayurveda book cover
context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Discover the meaning of agniskandha in the context of Ayurveda from relevant books on Exotic India

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Agniskandha (अग्निस्कन्ध) refers to the “great mass of fire”, as mentioned in the Viśeṣacinti-brahma-paripṛcchā-sūtra (cf. the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLIII).—Accordingly:—“[...] then Śāriputra said to the Buddha: Bhagavat, there is no object (vastu) that the great mass of fire (agniskandha) does not consume. It is the same for the words spoken by those individuals who affirm that all dharmas enter into the dharmadhātu”.

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.

Discover the meaning of agniskandha in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

India history and geography

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Agni-skandha.—(CII 1), masses of fire. Note: agni-skandha is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Discover the meaning of agniskandha in the context of India history from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: