Atmasamjna, Ātmasaṃjñā, Atmasanjna, Atma-samjna, Atma-sanjna, Ātmasañjñā: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Atmasamjna 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Ātmasaṃjñā (आत्मसंज्ञा) refers to the “concept of self”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXXII-XXXIV).—Accordingly, “There are those who practice a loving-kindness that has things as object; these are the Arhats who have destroyed the impurities, the Pratyekabuddhas and the Buddhas. Having destroyed the concept of self (ātmasaṃjñā) and eliminated notions of identity and difference, these holy individuals consider only the objects of enjoyment continually coming from causes and conditions. When they think about beings with loving-kindness, they think only of the emptiness coming continually from causes and conditions together. [...]”.

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Ātmasaṃjñā (आत्मसंज्ञा) refers to the “concept of self”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] At that time, sixty koṭis of Bodhisattvas, having stood up from the congregation, joined their palms, paid homage to the Lord, and then uttered these verses in one voice: ‘[...] (203) Holding the concept of self (ātmasaṃjñā), taking pleasure in begging at the homes [of lay people] together with friends, and entering into them, they will engage in discourses on worldly things. (204) Engaging in farming, housework, and business, having ploughs and harrows, they will still say ‘We are ascetics’. [...]’”.

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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