Bodhipakshika, aka: Bodhipākṣika, Bodhi-pakshika; 1 Definition(s)
Introduction
Bodhipakshika means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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 Bodhipākṣika can be transliterated into English as Bodhipaksika or Bodhipakshika, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Bodhipākṣika (बोधिपाक्षिक) refers to thirty-seven “auxiliaries” to enlightenment, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 31.—Why are they called bodhipākṣika? The two knowledges of the saint, the knowledge of the cessation of the impurities and the knowledge that they will not arise again are given the name of Bodhi because they consist of the complete understanding of the four Truths. If a dharma is favorable to this complete understanding, it is given the name of bodhipākṣika.
The thirty-seven bodhipākṣika (auxiliaries to enlightenment) are defined as:
- the four foundations of mindfulness (smṛtyupasthāna),
- the four right efforts (samyakpradhāna),
- the four bases of magical power (ṛddhipāda),
- the five faculties (indriya),
- the five strengths (bala),
- the seven members of enlightenment (saṃbodhyaṅga),
- the eight members of the Path (mārgaṅga).
These thirty-seven auxiliaries (bodhipākṣika) have ten things (dravya) as roots (mūla). What are these ten?
- Faith (śraddhā),
- morality (śīla),
- thought (saṃkalpa),
- exertion (vīrya),
- mindfulness (smṛti),
- concentration (samādhi),
- wisdom (prajñā),
- relaxation (praśrabdhi),
- joy, (prīti),
- equanimity (upekṣā).
According to chapter 32: “the thirty-seven auxiliaries (bodhipākṣika) are the path (mārga) leading to nirvāṇa. When one follows this path, one reaches the city of nirvāṇa (nirvāṇagara)”.
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
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.
Relevant definitions
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| Bodhi | Bodhi (बोधि) according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter VII).—“Bodhi is the... | |
| Pakshika | Pākṣika (पाक्षिक).—a. (-kī f.)1) Belonging to a fortnight, fortnightly.2) Belonging to a bird.3... | |
| Bodhicitta |
Bodhichitta Skt., lit., “awakened mind”; the mind of enlightenment, one of the central no&sh... | |
| Bodhyanga | Bodhyaṅga.—cf. bojjhaṅga (EI 5), Buddhist; seven in number. Note: bodhyaṅga is defined in the “... | |
| Mahabodhi | Mahābodhi (महाबोधि).—1) the great intelligence of a Buddha. 2) a Buddha. Derivable forms: mahāb... | |
| Bodhidruma | Bodhidruma (बोधिद्रुम).—the sacred fig-tree, Derivable forms: bodhidrumaḥ (बोधिद्रुमः).Bodhidru... | |
| Bodhimandala | Bodhimaṇḍala (बोधिमण्डल).—Name of the place where Gautama Buddha attained to perfect wisdom. De... | |
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Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Bodhipakshika, Bodhipākṣika or Bodhi-pakshika. You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
I. Lists of auxiliaries (bodhipākṣika or bodhipakkhiya) < [Note on the Thirty-seven Auxiliaries to Enlightenment]
Preliminary note on the Eight Classes of Supplementary Dharmas < [Chapter XXXII-XXXIV - The eight classes of supplementary dharmas]
E.2. The Four Right Efforts (samyakpradhāna) < [Abhidharma auxiliaries (E): Detailed study of the auxiliaries]
The Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra (by Charles Luk)
A Dictionary Of Chinese Buddhist Terms (by William Edward Soothill)