Ashubhasamjna, Aśubhasaṃjñā, Ashubha-samjna: 1 definition

Introduction:

Ashubhasamjna 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 Aśubhasaṃjñā can be transliterated into English as Asubhasamjna or Ashubhasamjna, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Aśubhasaṃjñā (अशुभसंज्ञा) or simply Aśubhā (Pali Asubhasaññā) refers to “nine horrible notions”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 35. These nine notions [of the horrible] eliminate the seven types of lust (saptavidha-rāga) in people.

According to the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra, the Bodhisattva-mahāsattva must cultivate] the nine notions (navasaṃjñā) of the horrible:

  1. that of the bloated corpse (vyādhmātaka-saṃjñā),
  2. that of the torn-up corpse (vidhūtaka-saṃjñā),
  3. that of the bloody corpse (vilohitaka-saṃjñā),
  4. that of the rotting corpse (vipūyaka-saṃjñā).
  5. that of the corpse turning bluish (vinīlaka-saṃjñā),
  6. that of the devoured corpse (vikhāditaka-saṃjñā),
  7. that of the scattered corpse (vikṣiptaka-saṃjñā),
  8. that of the corpse reduced to bones (asthi-saṃjñā),
  9. that of the burned corpse (vidagdhaka-saṃjñā).

Note: there is an almost complete list in a Sanskrit sūtra cited in the Kośavyākhyā, p. 55, l. 1-2.

These nine notions (aśubhasaṃjñā) open the gate of the foundation of mindfulness on the body. Mindfulness of the body opens the gate of the other three foundations of mindfulness. The four foundations of mindfulness open the gate of the thirty-seven auxiliaries to enlightenment (bodhipākṣika-dharma). The thirty-seven auxiliaries to enlightenment open the gate to the city of Nirvāṇa. Entering into Nirvāṇa, the suffering of sadness, sorrow, etc. are eliminated and, as the process of interdependency of the five aggregates (pañcaskandha) has been destroyed, one enjoys the eternal bliss of Nirvāṇa.

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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