Ambalatthika, Ambalaṭṭhikā, Ambalatthikā: 3 definitions

Introduction
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
India history
Languages
1. Pali
See also

Introduction:

Ambalatthika means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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 Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Ambalatthika - A royal park on the road between Rajagaha and Nalanda. It contained a royal rest house (rajagaraka) in which the Buddha and members of the Order used to stay in the course of their journeying. It was on one such occasion that the Brahmajala Sutta was preached (Vin.ii.287; D.i.1). Buddhaghosa (DA.i.41-2) says that it was a shady and well watered park, so called because of a mango sapling which stood by the gateway. It was surrounded and well guarded by a rampart, and its rest house was adorned with paintings for the kings amusement.

It was one of the spots in which the Buddha rested during his last tour, and we are told that while there he discoursed to a large number of monks (D.ii.81; he remained there one night, UdA.408). But the most famous of the Buddhas sermons in Ambalatthika seems to have been the Rahulovada Sutta named Ambalatthika Rahulovada Sutta, because of its having been preached in the park (M.i.414ff). From the context it appears as though Ambalatthika was within walking distance from the Kalandakanivapa in Rajagaha.

But see below (4) for a more probable explanation.

2. Ambalatthika - A park in the brahmin village Khanumata. The Buddha went there during one of his tours through Magadha. On this occasion was preached the Kutadanta Sutta (D.i.127). Buddhaghosa (DA.i.294) says the park was like the pleasance of the same name between Rajagaha and Nalanda.

3. Ambalatthika - There was a place of this name to the east of the Lohapasada in Anuradhapura. Once when the Dighabhanaka Theras recited the Brahmajala Sutta there, the earth trembled from the water upwards (DA.i.131).

On another occasion King Vasabha heard the Dighabhanakas reciting the Mahasudassana Sutta, and thinking that they were discussing what they had eaten and drunk, he approached closer to listen; when he discovered the truth he applauded the monks (DA.ii.635).

The place referred to here was probably not a park, but a building which formed part of the Lohapasada. In the Mahavamsa account (Mhv.xxvii.11-20) of the building of the Lohapasada we are told that the plans were copied from the gem palace of the goddess Birani. The central part of the palace was called the Ambalatthikapasada. It was visible from every side, bright, with pennons hung out.

Dutthagamani probably included a similar central part in the Lohapasada. This view is strengthened by No. 4 below.

4. Ambalatthika - According to Buddhaghosa (MA.ii.635), the Ambalatthika, in which the Rahulovada Sutta of that name was preached, was not a pleasance, but a pasada, a kind of meditation hall (padhanagharasankhepa) built in the outskirts of Veluvanavihara for the use of those who desired solitude. It is said that Rahula spent most of his time there,

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

India history and geography

Source: Ancient Buddhist Texts: Geography of Early Buddhism

Ambalaṭṭhikā (अम्बलट्ठिका) is the name of an ancient village situated between Rājagaha and Kusāvati or Kusīnārā: an ancient capital of Malla: one of the sixteen Mahājanapadas of the Majjhimadesa (Middle Country) of ancient India, as recorded in the Pāli Buddhist texts (detailing the geography of ancient India as it was known in to Early Buddhism).—In the Mahāparinibbāna Suttanta we find an account of the Buddha’s journey from Rājagaha to Kusīnārā. We are also told of halting places, the list of which is given in order with important events, viz., Ambalaṭṭhikā.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

ambalaṭṭhikā : (f.) a mango plant.

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Relevant text

Search found 14 books and stories containing Ambalatthika, Ambalaṭṭhikā, Ambalatthikā; (plurals include: Ambalatthikas, Ambalaṭṭhikās, Ambalatthikās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Part 9 - The Buddha’s Sojourn at the Ambalaṭṭhikā Garden < [Chapter 40 - The Buddha Declared the Seven Factors of Non-Decline for Rulers]

Part 2 - Preaching the Ambalatthika Rahulovada Sutta < [Chapter 20 - The Six Princes achieved different Attainments]

Part 10 - The Buddha’s Sojourn at Nāḷanda and the mango grove of Pāvārika < [Chapter 40 - The Buddha Declared the Seven Factors of Non-Decline for Rulers]

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Story of exhortations to Rāhula < [Section I.4 - Abstention from falsehood]

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Chapter I - Ambalaṭṭhikā-Rāhulovada Suttanta

Introduction

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Trade by Land < [Chapter 2 - Economic and Urban Processes]

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Part 2 - Ethical Aspect < [Chapter 3 - Seven Benefits Of Mindfulness Meditation]