Anagra, An-agra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Anagra 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 SastraAnagra (अनग्र) refers to “(that which is) without beginning”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 48).—Accordingly, “Although [the view] of impermanence is an extremist view, the Buddha utilizes impermanence in order to save beings. It is the same with the theory of a beginningless Saṃsāra; even though it may be an extremist [view], the Buddha uses it to save beings. In order to save beings and inspire disgust [for saṃsāra] in them, the Buddha posits [a saṃsāra] ‘without beginning’ (anagra) but it isn’t true. Why? Because if there were a saṃsāra without beginning, [the Prajñāpāramitāsūtra] would not be talking here about an ‘emptiness of things without beginning’”.
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)
Starts with: Anagrashunyata, Anagrata.
Ends with: Agrayanagra, Avanagra, Candanagra, Caranagra, Gaganagra, Kiranagra, Pranagra, Ranagra, Rasanagra, Stanagra, Vanagra.
Full-text: Jalora, Vashcika, Levara, Bhedara, Khadhuya, Khagi, Vrikshaghata, Varavala, Meghavana, Kuruhara, Agraharika, Yajnasthala, Lasianthaea podocephala, Carphephorus odoratissimus, Sughosha, Shunyata.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Anagra, An-agra; (plurals include: Anagras, agras). 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)
Emptiness 10: Emptiness of dharmas without beginning (anagraśūnyatā) < [Chapter XLVIII - The Eighteen Emptinesses]
Samuel Butler’s “Erewhon” as a Satirical Utopia < [April – June, 1988]
The Theme of Love in Donne’s Elegies < [April – June, 1994]
Samuel Butler: The Sinister Prophet Of Renaissance < [March-April, 1930]
The Markandeya Purana (by Frederick Eden Pargiter)