Atikshnaprajna, Atīkṣṇaprajñā, Atikshna-prajna: 1 definition

Introduction:

Atikshnaprajna 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 Atīkṣṇaprajñā can be transliterated into English as Atiksnaprajna or Atikshnaprajna, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Atīkṣṇaprajñā (अतीक्ष्णप्रज्ञा) refers to “one whose wisdom is not yet sharp”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 41).—Accordingly, “[Digression on a case brought against the Buddha; B. The defense].—[8. Simultaneous Teaching of the Self and the Non-self].—In some places the Buddha says that the ātman exists and in other places he says that it does not exist.—[...] It is the anātman that is true, for the Seals of the Dharma say: ‘All conditioned dharmas are impermanent; all dharmas are without self; nirvāṇa is peace’. Now the Dharma seal called nirvāṇa is the true nature of dharmas. But if someone has not yet planted the roots of good, if his wisdom is not yet sharp (atīkṣṇaprajñā), the Buddha does not preach the profound doctrine of anātman to him because, if he did, this person would fall into the view of nihilism. [...]”.

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.

Discover the meaning of atikshnaprajna or atiksnaprajna in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: