Dhananjani, Dhānañjāni, Dhanañjānī: 2 definitions

Introduction
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
2. Mahayana
See also

Introduction:

Dhananjani 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 Names

1. Dhananjani (v.l. Dhananjani) - A brahmin of Tandulapaladvara in Rajagaha. He was a minister of the king and oppressed the people in order to get rich. Sariputta, hearing of his fall from the ways of earnestness - after the death of his first pious wife and his marriage to another - visited Dhananjani and pointed out to him that if he departed from equity and righteousness he could not hope to be excused on the plea that his fall was due to force of circumstances. Dhananjani profited by the discourse, and later, when he was ill, he sent word to Sariputta, told him of his dire illness, and expressed his wish to be born in one of the Brahma worlds. Sariputta taught how union with Brahma could be attained. Soon after, Dhananjani died, and the Buddha said that he was born in one of the lower Brahma worlds. M.ii.184ff.

2. Dhananjani - A brahminee, probably of Rajagaha. She was married to a brahmin of the Bharadvaja gotta. One day, while serving her husbands dinner, she sang the praises of the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Order. The brahmin, very annoyed, threatens to go to the Buddha and abuse him. His wife encourages him to go. He goes, has a discussion with the Buddha, and is converted. Later, he joins the Order and, in due course, becomes an arahant (S.i.159f).

Buddhaghosa says (SA.i.175ff) the brahminee was a sotapanna and that she would constantly sing the praises of the Buddha while engaged in her duties and that the brahmin closed his ears to it. One day he invited a large number of his friends to a banquet, and, on the eve of the great day, asked her to promise not to offend his brahmin friends by her udana. She refused to give any such promise, even when he threatened to cut her with a dagger. She declared herself ready to suffer, and sang five hundred verses on her theme. The brahmin surrendered. While waiting on the guests, her impulse became too great for her, and, laying down bowl and spoon, she started repeating her song of praise. The scandalised guests hurried away, spitting out the food, defiled by the presence of a heretic, and her husband scolded her for the spoiled feast. She may be the woman who was responsible for the visit of Sangarava (q.v.) to the Buddha. The latter is, however, stated to have lived in Candalakappa (M.ii.209).

3. Dhananjani - Buddhaghosa says (SA.i.175) that this was the name of a brahmin clan of great pride of birth, claiming descent from the head of Brahma, whereas the other brahmins were born from his mouth.

1. Dananjani Sutta - Records the story of Dhananjani of Tandulapaladvara (q.v.). S.ii.184ff.

2. Dhananjani Sutta - Records the story of how Bharadvaja, husband of the brahminee Dhananjani (q.v.), became an arahant. S.i.159ff.

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See Dhananjani.

context information

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).

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Dhanañjānī (धनञ्जानी) was a companion of Bhikṣuṇī, Sumedhā during the time of name of Buddha Koṇāgamana, according to the Therīgathās and the Apadāna.—The successive lives of Sumedhā are told in the Therīgathās, and their commentary: Psalms of the Sisters as well as in the Apadāna. Under the Buddha Koṇāgamana, [Sumedhā] and two of her companions, Dhanañjānī and Khema, made a gift of a vihāra to the teacher. Under the Buddha Kassapa, [Sumedhā] was a friend of the seven daughters of king Kiki of Benares and, as an Upāsikā, was noted for her generosity which won her rebirth among the gods for innumerable times. Finally, under the Buddha Śākyamuni, [Sumedhā] was the daughter of king Koñca of Mantāvatī. She refused the hand of Anikadatta, king of Vāraṇavatī, whom her parents wished her to accept. After having converted her family and her entourage, full of distaste for the world, she left home and became a nun. Shortly after, she attained Arhathood.

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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Search found 6 books and stories containing Dhananjani, Dhānañjāni, Dhanañjānī; (plurals include: Dhananjanis, Dhānañjānis, Dhanañjānīs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Sumedhā-Jātaka < [I. Puṇyakriyāvastu consisting of generosity]

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2.5(c). Majjhima Nikāya (The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

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Part V - Brahmapa Vagga < [(b) Majjihma Pannasa Pali]

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Chapter II - Brahmacarya (the quest for emancipation and immortality)

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The Household Group < [Chapter 4 - Social Process, Structures and Reformations]

Samanas and Brahmanas < [Chapter 3 - Religious Beliefs, Institutions and Practices: New Perspectives]

Parents and Sons < [Chapter 4 - Social Process, Structures and Reformations]

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