Bahyasutra, Bahyasūtra, Bahya-sutra: 1 definition

Introduction:

Bahyasutra 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»] — Bahyasutra in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Bahyasūtra (बह्यसूत्र) refers to the “outer texts”, 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 jñānaprasthānāṣṭagrantha. 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 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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