Arittha, aka: Ariṭṭha; 3 Definition(s)

Introduction

Arittha 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

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

1. Arittha - A monk. He had been subjected by the Sangha to the ukkhepaniyakamma for refusal to renounce a sinful doctrine, namely, that the states of mind declared by the Buddha to be stumbling blocks are not such at all for him who indulges in them. Arittha left the Order and would not come back until the ukkhepaniyakamma was revoked (Vin.ii.25-8).

He was a vulture trainer (gaddhabadhiputta) (See note in VT.ii.377). His case is cited as that of a pacittaya offence because he refused to give up a wrong doctrine even after the monks had three times requested him to do so (Vin.iv.135). In spite of the ukkhepaniyakamma the Chabbaggiya monks kept company with Arittha, thereby committing a pacittaya offence (Vin.iv.137). We find the Buddha rebuking the nun Thullananda for associating with Arittha after the ukkhepaniyakamma (Vin.iv.218). It was Aritthas heresy that led to the preaching of the Alagaddupama Sutta (M.i.130ff).

In the Samyutta Nikaya (S.v.314-15), Arittha is mentioned as having said to the Buddha that he practised concentration in breathing and as having described how he did it. The Buddha, thereupon, instructs him as to how such concentration can be done perfectly and in every detail.

In the Samanatapasadika Arittha is mentioned in a list of enemies of the Sasana. Sp.iv.874.

2. Arittha - An upasaka mentioned in the Anguttara Nikaya (iii.451) in a list of householders and upasakas who had seen and realised immortality and were possessed of unwavering faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. They practised Ariyan conduct and had won wisdom and liberty.

3. Arittha - A Pacceka Buddha, mentioned in a list of Pacceka Buddhas. M.iii.69; APA.i.106; also Netti, 143.

4. Arittha - Nephew of Devanampiyatissa. See Maha Arittha.

5. Arittha - Son of the Naga king, Dhatarattha. See Kanarittha.

6. Arittha - A messenger of Vessavana, employed by him to take his proclamations and publish them. D.iii.201.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

ariṭṭha : (adj.) cruel; unlucky. (m.), 1. a crow; 2. nimb tree: 3. soapberry tree. (nt.), medicinal spirit.

1) Ariṭṭha, ² (Sk. ariṣṭa, N. of a tree) a kind of spirituous liquor Vin. IV, 110. (Page 77)

2) Ariṭṭha, ¹ (adj.) (a + riṭṭha = Vedic ariṣṭa, pp of a + riṣ to hurt or be hurt) unhurt Sdhp. 279. (Page 77)

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.

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