Dharmapitaka, Dharmapiṭaka, Dharma-pitaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Dharmapitaka 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Dharmapitaka in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Dharmapiṭaka (धर्मपिटक) refers to the “bhasket of dharma” according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XIV).—The Buddha enters samādhirājasamādhi; he opens and examines the precious basket (ratnapiṭaka) of all the buddhadharmas. In this samādhi, he contemplates and says to himself: “The basket of my Dharma (dharmapiṭaka) is immense (aprameya), incalculable (asaṃkhyeya) and inconceivable (acintya)”. Immediately afterwards, he comes out of samādhi and contemplates beings (sattva) with his divine eye (divyacakṣus). He knows the misery of beings, he knows that the basket of the Dharma which comes from causes and conditions can also be attained by all beings but that the latter, plunged in the shadows of error, do not ask for it and do not seek it. This is why he smiles with his whole body.

Mahayana book cover
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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