Dharmaprahana, Dharmaprahāṇa, Dharma-prahana: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Dharmaprahana 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»] — Dharmaprahana in Mahayana glossary
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Dharmaprahāṇa (धर्मप्रहाण) or Akuśaladharmaprahāṇa refers to “getting rid of (bad) qualities”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, as Gaganagañja said to Ratnapāṇi: “Son of good family, those sixty-four dharmas are included in one hundred twenty-eight dharmas. What are those one hundred twenty-four? [...] (9) non-haughtiness is included in getting rid of arrogance and pride; (10) actions with reference to the dharma is included in getting rid of bad qualities (akuśala-dharmaprahāṇa) and fulfilling good qualities; (11) the body without crookedness is included in the absence of harshness or roughness; (12) no crooked thinking is included in correct recollection and correct concentration; [...]’”.

Source: Bibliotheca Polyglotta: Akshayamatinirdesha (English translation)

Dharmaprahāṇa (धर्मप्रहाण) or Sarvākuśaladharmaprahāṇa refers to “getting rid of (all bad moments of) existence”, according to the Akṣayamatinirdeśasūtra, an ancient Mahāyāna Sūtra devoted to the Bodhisattva Akṣayamati, recognized as one of the sixteen Bodhisattvas of the Bhadrakalpa (fortunate aeon).—Accordingly, as Akṣayamati said to Śāradvatīputra: “Further, reverend Śāradvatīputra, the Bodhisattvas’ intention is also imperishable. Why? [...] Thus, reverend Śāradvatīputra, [to teach purity of intention as contrasted with imperishability of intention in short, it is said] that intention should be seen as for the sake of getting rid of all bad moments of existence of all living beings (sarvākuśala-dharmaprahāṇa), but it should be seen as imperishable through bringing all beings to strive for the good; This, reverend Śāradvatīputra, is called the Bodhisattvas’ imperishable intention”.

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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