Ekasvarena, Ekasvareṇa, Eka-svarena: 1 definition

Introduction:

Ekasvarena 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»] — Ekasvarena in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Ekasvareṇa (एकस्वरेण) refers to the doctrine of the “single sound”, as mentioned in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 36.—Accordingly, “in the great assemblies, each person wants to hear something, and the Buddha answers him with a single sound (ekasvareṇa). Each makes sense out of it and each thinks the Buddha has spoken for him alone. In the great assemblies, whether the listener is far or near, the sound reaches him with the same intensity; it fills the trisāhasramahāsāhasralokadhātu and reaches innumerable universe in the ten directions”.

The Vibhajyavādins produced a stanza of praise of the Buddha cited in the Vibhāṣā: “the Buddha uses a single sound [ekasvareṇa] to enunciate the Dharma and then beings, each according to his category, understand it. All say: The Bhagavat uses the same language as I do, that is why he enunciates a certain meaning for me alone”.

According to the Pitāputrasamāgama: “each one sees the Buddha face-to-face, that is an exclusive quality (āveṇikaguṇa) difficult to conceive. The pure Dharma is preached by a single sound [ekasvareṇa], sometimes fully, sometimes abbreviated, and each one according to his mental aspirations, understands it…; each according to his destiny and his category makes sense of it…”

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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