Asibandhakaputta: 1 definition
Introduction:
Asibandhakaputta 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)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesA gamani (headman). He came to the Buddha in the Parileyyaka Mango Grove in Nalanda and asked him various questions, recorded in the Samyutta Nikaya (iv.312ff). One of these related to the custom among the Pacchabhumaka (Westlander) brahmins (where, perhaps, he himself belonged) of lifting a man up when dead and carrying him out, calling him by name to speed him heavenward. Surely the Buddha who is an arahant, etc., could make the whole world go to heaven thus if he chose. To this the Buddha answers no, and explains, by various similes, that only a mans kamma can determine where he will be reborn. On another occasion, the Buddha tells him, in answer to a question, that the Buddha teaches the Dhamma in full only to certain disciples and not to others; just as a farmer sowing seed selects, first the best field, then the moderate, and lastly, the field with the worst soil.
Asibandhakaputta tells the Buddha that, according to Nigantha Nataputta (he is described as a Nigantha Savaka, S.iv.317), as a man habitually lives so goes he forth to his destiny. The Buddha points out the absurdity of this view and tells him that all Tathagatas lay down definite rules for the guidance of their followers, so that they may attain development.
It is recorded (S.iv.322ff) that once, when Nalanda was stricken with famine, Asibandhaka visited Nigantha Nataputta, who asks him to go and defeat the Buddha in debate. Asibandhaka is at first reluctant, but his teacher propounds to him a dilemma to put to the Buddha, and he agrees to go.
Is it true that the Buddha extols compassion to clansmen? Why, then, does the Buddha ask for alms in a place stricken with famine? The Buddhas answer is that there are eight ways of injuring clansmen, and that begging for alms is not one of them. And Asibandhakaputta, pleased with the answer, declares himself to be a follower of the Buddha.
Asibandhakaputtas conversation with the Buddha, in which the Buddha tells him that only a mans kamma can determine the state of his rebirth, is quoted in the Nettippaka rana (pp.45-47).
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Gamani, Pacchabhumaka Sutta, Sankha Sutta, Pavarikambavana, Kula-sutta, Nalanda.
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Search found 2 books and stories containing Asibandhakaputta; (plurals include: Asibandhakaputtas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (early history) (by Prakash Narayan)
Gahapati and Gamanis < [Chapter 4 - Social Process, Structures and Reformations]
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
(d) Salayatana Vagga Samyutta Pali < [Chapter VI - Samyutta Nikaya]