Dharmahetu, Dharma-hetu: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Dharmahetu 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.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationDharmahetu (धर्महेतु) means “for the sake of virtue”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.43.—Accordingly, as Śiva said to Dakṣa:—“O patriarch, listen to another statement of mine with a clear conscience. Although it is based on the qualitative aspect it is esoteric. For the sake of virtue (dharmahetu) I shall tell you. Brahmā, Viṣṇu and I constitute the chief cause of the universe. But I am the soul, the witness, self-seer and without attributes. [...]”.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the GaganagañjaparipṛcchāUpalaṃbha (उपलंभ) refers to the “cause of qualities”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “How then, son of good family, does the Bodhisattva collect all qualities of the Buddha by thorough practice (yoniśas-prayoga)? [...] Learning is the cause of great insight; the Bodhisattva, not being entangled in the preconceived viewpoints, having transferred the learning without apprehending into omniscience, fulfils the perfection of insight. In the same way with all good qualities, whatever the cause of good qualities (kuśala-dharmahetu) accumulated, its effect will appear without effort. Further, the cause and conditions are called thorough mental effort. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Dharmahetu, Dharma-hetu; (plurals include: Dharmahetus, hetus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sripura (Archaeological Survey) (by Bikash Chandra Pradhan)
Stupas in Orissa (Study) (by Meenakshi Chauley)
Major Stupas at Udayagiri < [Chapter 4]
The Bhagavata Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 29 - Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Rāsa with Gopīs < [Book 10 - Tenth Skandha]