Dhammaruci: 1 definition
Introduction:
Dhammaruci 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
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names1. Dhammaruci - One of the heterodox sects of Ceylon which branched off from the Theravada (Mhv.v.13).
According to the Nikaya Sangraha (p.11) this secession took place four hundred and fifty four years after the death of the Buddha, and in the fifteenth year of the reign of Vattagamani Abhaya. The Nikaya Sangraha gives an account of the origin of this sect. A monk called Maha Tissa, incumbent of Abhayagiri, was convicted of living in domestic intercourse and expelled by the Mahavihara fraternity. He thereupon left with his followers and lived apart at Abhayagiri. They were strengthened by the arrival of some monks from Pallararama in South India, descendants of the Vajjiputtakas. Their teacher was Dhammaruci, and when they joined the Abhayagiri monks, Maha Tissa himself took the name of Dhammaruci and his followers became known as Dhammarucikas.
The Mahavamsa Tika (p.176) says that Dhammarucika was the name given to the monks of Abhayagiri when they seceded from the Mahavihara, and gives elsewhere (p.676f) the points on which they differed from the Theravadins. These points concerned minor teachings of the Vinaya. The Dhammarucikas became active in the time of Meghavannabhaya, and the king, after an enquiry into the matter, sent sixty of them into exile. They again became powerful in the time of Mahasena, through the influence of Sanghamitta, and almost succeeded in destroying the Mahavihara. But this disaster was averted by the intervention of the kings friend and counsellor, Meghavannabhaya, and Sanghamitta was killed by one of the queens (Mhv.xxxvii.17ff).
In spite of Sanghamittas untimely end, the Dhammarucikas seem to have enjoyed favour in Ceylon during a long period. Dhatusena gave over to them the Ambatthala vihara, which he built on Cetiyapabbata (Cv.xxxviii.75), and Kassapa I, bestowed on them the vihara he built in the Niyyanti garden, and made all provisions for their comfort (Cv.xxxix.17). Moggallana I, gave over to them the Dalha vihara (Cv.xxxix.41) and Aggabodhi V. the Rajinadipika vihara (Cv.xlviii.1). Sena Ilanga, general of Kassapa IV., built for them the Dhammarama and the Hadayunha parivena (Cv.lii.17, 18).
The Sagaliyas were an offshoot of the Dhammarucikas.
2. Dhammaruci Thera - An arahant. In the time of Dipankara Buddha he was a young man named Megha, and on hearing the Buddhas declaration regarding Sumedha, he entered the Order under the latter. But, owing to wrong association, he left the Order and murdered his mother. For this he suffered in Avici and was later born as a fish. One day he heard some shipwrecked sailors calling on the name of Gotama Buddha for protection, and, remembering Dipankaras prophecy, the fish died. He was then born in Savatthi, and hearing the Buddha preach at Jetavana, he entered the Order and became an arahant. Ap.ii.429f.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Dhammarucika.
Full-text: Mahanettadipadika, Rajinidipika, Dharmaruci, Dathavedhaka, Dhammarucika, Megha, Sihagiri, Abhayagiri, Atthadassi, Moggallana.
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Dhammaruci; (plurals include: Dhammarucis). 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)
Appendix 2 - The legend of Dharmaruci < [Chapter XIII - The Buddha-fields]
Dipavamsa (study) (by Sibani Barman)
Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification) (by Ñāṇamoli Bhikkhu)
Background and Main Facts < [Introduction]
Mahavamsa (by Wilhelm Geiger)