Bhutalakshana, aka: Bhūtalakṣaṇa, Bhuta-lakshana; 1 Definition(s)

Introduction

Bhutalakshana 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 Bhūtalakṣaṇa can be transliterated into English as Bhutalaksana or Bhutalakshana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Bhūtalakṣaṇa (भूतलक्षण) refers to the “true nature of dharmas” according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXIX). Accordingly, “Each being defines this true nature of dharmas and considers their own definition to be true. But here the true nature (bhūtalakṣaṇa) is indestructible (avikāra), eternally subsisting, unchangeable and without creator. In a following chapter, the Buddha says to Subhuti: ‘The Bodhisattva sees all dharmas a being neither eternal nor transitory, neither painful nor happy, neither with self nor without self, neither existent nor non-existent, etc.’ abstaining from these views is the Bodhisattva’s prajñāpāramitā. This subject avoids all views, destroys all speech (abhilāpa), expels all functioning of the mind (hittapravṛtti). From the very beginning, dharmas are unborn (anutpanna), unceasing (aniruddha), like nirvāṇa (nirvāṇasama) and all their natures are of the same type: this is the true nature of dharmas”.

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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