In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Dharmoddāna (धर्मोद्दान) refers to the “contents of the Dharma”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 51).—Accordingly, Before taking rebirth in the Brahmaloka, Baka was a Buddhist monastic. It is said in the Tsa pao tsang king, T 203, k. 3, p. 461a13–15: There was an Āyuṣmat camed P’o-k’ie (Baka). Venerable Śāriputra and Maudgalyāyana taught him the contents of the Dharma (dharmoddāna) and he became Anāgāmin. After death, he was reborn among the Brahmadevas and had the name P’o-k’ie-fan (Bakabrahmā). When Kokālika, a disciple of Devadatta, accused Śāriputra and Maudgalyāyana of misconduct, Bakabrahmā came down from the Brahmā heaven to defend his former teachers (see above, p. 807–809F)

Note: The four-fold dharmoddāna or ‘summary of dharmas’ is known in Chinese as Sseu fa yeou t’o na:—cf. Vimalakīrtinirdeśa, T 476, k. 6, p. 586c14; Sūtrālaṃkāra, p. 17, l. 3; 55, l. 6; 73, l. 22; Bodh. bhūmi, p. 277, l. 5 (T 1579, k. 46, p. 544a6).

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Dharmoddāna (धर्मोद्दान) refers to “(the four) summaries of the dharma”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “Son of good family, there are eight purities of the insight (prajñā) of the Bodhisattvas. What are the eight? To with, [...] (5) although they teach four summaries of the dharma (dharmoddāna), they never see anything in impermanence, suffering, selfless, or quiescence; (6) although they teach to enter into action and duties, they are free from karmic result and also not disturbed by performing deeds; (7) although they are established in the knowledge of teachings which is beyond discursive thinking, they elucidate the division of words of all teachings; (8) they attain the illumination of all teachings and teach living beings about impurity and purification”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Dharma, Uddana, Tarma.

Full-text: Uddana, Baka, Bakabrahma.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Dharmoddana, Dharmoddāna, Dharma-uddāna, Dharma-uddana; (plurals include: Dharmoddanas, Dharmoddānas, uddānas, uddanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

Appendix 7 - The seals of the Dharma (dharmamudrā, dharma-mudrā) < [Chapter XXXVI - The eight recollections (anusmṛti or anussati)]

The Bako-brahmā-sutta < [Part 16 - Obtaining the immense longevity and immense radiance of the Buddhas]

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