Dharmaraksha, Dharmarakṣa, Dharmaraksa: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Dharmaraksha 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.

The Sanskrit term Dharmarakṣa can be transliterated into English as Dharmaraksa or Dharmaraksha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Dharmarakṣa (धर्मरक्ष).—According to appendix 8 of the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XIV).—The famous translator Dharmarakṣa who came from a family of Scythian origin established at Touen Houang and who lived in the 3rd century, was the student of the Hindu Kao tso (Tchou Kao tso) whom he accompanied into the Western countries. Here again kao tso is an honorific title rather than a proper name.

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.

Discover the meaning of dharmaraksha or dharmaraksa in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

General definition (in Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Dharmaraksha in Buddhism glossary
Source: Buddhist Door: Glossary

1) Dharmaraksa moved from India to China about 25 A.D. Together with Kashyapamatanga, they were regarded as the first translator for Buddhist sutras in China. They translated five sutras but only "Sutra of Forty two Chapters" was extant.

2) Dharmaraksa (A.D. 223-300) was the Chinese born descendant of Iranian who had settled in West China generations before. He had translated the Lotus Sutra in A.D. 286.

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