In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Anāsaravamārga (अनासरवमार्ग) or Lokottaramārga refers to the “pure path” representing one of the two practices regarding absorptions (samāpatti), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXVIII).—“The absorptions can be practiced according to the worldly path (laukikamārga) or the supramundane path (lokottaramārga).—The supramundane path (lokottaramārga), also called pure path (anāsaravamārga), is followed by the saints (Ārya) endowed with pure wisdom, who have “seen” the four holy truths (āryasatya) and have understood the sixteen aspects (ṣodaśākāra) by reason of the four aspects of each truth. This path assures the definitive liberation of the passions and, whereas in the impure path the ascetic must enter into the preliminary concentration (sāmantaka) of the immediately higher sphere in order to be liberated from the passions of his own sphere, the saint who is following the pure path cuts the passions of his level directly without resorting to any sāmantaka whatsoever”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Marga.

Full-text: Lokottaramarga.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Anasaravamarga, Anāsaravamārga, Anasarava-marga, Anāsarava-mārga; (plurals include: Anasaravamargas, Anāsaravamārgas, margas, mārgas). 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)

1. Pure path (anāsrava-mārga) and Impure path (sāsrava-mārga) < [Part 4 - Questions relating to the dhyānas]

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