Arthavishesha, Arthaviśeṣa, Artha-vishesha: 1 definition

Introduction:

Arthavishesha 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.

The Sanskrit term Arthaviśeṣa can be transliterated into English as Arthavisesa or Arthavishesha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Arthaviśeṣa (अर्थविशेष) refers to a “difference in meaning”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 41).—Accordingly, “[The eighteen āveṇika-dharmas (‘special attributes’)]— [...] (13-15). Every physical, vocal or mental action of the Buddha accompanies knowledge.—[...] [Question].—You said at the beginning that the Buddha has neither physical defect nor vocal defect nor mental defect, and here you say again that his bodily, vocal and mental actions accompany knowledge. What is the difference in meaning (arthaviśeṣa)? [Answer].—The first three attributes in terms of which the Buddha has no defect did not give a reason. These do give the reason: because his actions accompany knowledge (jñānānuparivartin). If the Buddha did not reflect before carrying out his bodily, vocal or mental actions, he would make mistakes, but since the Buddha first uses knowledge before carrying out his bodily, vocal or mental actions, he is faultless. [...]”.

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.

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