Ashtagrantha, Aṣṭagrantha, Ashta-grantha: 1 definition
Introduction:
Ashtagrantha 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 Aṣṭagrantha can be transliterated into English as Astagrantha or Ashtagrantha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraAṣṭagrantha (अष्टग्रन्थ) (or Jñānaprasthāna) is the name of a text authored by Kātyāyana, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 3).—Accordingly, “[...] Finally a Brahmin monk named Kātyāyana, wise and of keen faculties (tīkṣnendriya), completely recited the three Baskets (tripiṭaka), the inner and outer texts (ādhyātmika-bahya-sūtra). Wishing to explain the words of the Buddha, he compiled the jñānaprasthāna-aṣṭa-grantha. The first chapter (skandhaka) deals with the supreme worldly Dharmas (laukikāgradharma). Subsequently, his disciples made from it a vibhāṣā for people of ages to come who could not completely understand the Aṣṭagrantha (or Jñānaprasthāna)”.
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: Ashta, Grantha.
Full-text: Jnanaprasthana, Tipitaka, Bahyasutra, Tikshnendriya, Vibhasha, Adhyatmikasutra, Skandhaka, Bahya, Adhyatmika.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Ashtagrantha, Aṣṭagrantha, Aṣṭa-grantha, Ashta-grantha, Astagrantha, Asta-grantha; (plurals include: Ashtagranthas, Aṣṭagranthas, granthas, Astagranthas). 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)
Part 3 - The origin of the aṣṭagrantha-abhidharma and the Ṣaṭpādabhidharma < [Chapter III - General Explanation of Evam Maya Śruta]
Appendix 3 - The traditions regarding Kātyāyana < [Chapter III - General Explanation of Evam Maya Śruta]
Buddhacarita (by Charles Willemen)
Chapter XVII - Conversion of the Great Disciples < [Fascicle Four]