Esukari, Esukārī: 1 definition
Introduction:
Esukari 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
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names1. Esukari - A brahmin who visits the Buddha at Jetavana and asks him various questions on castes and their distinctions, from the point of view of their functions. The Buddha replies that births invidious bar has been laid down by the brahmins, without consulting anybody else; all four castes alike can live the good life, which is the true service, and follow the Dhamma, which is the true wealth. At the end of the discourse Esukari declares himself to be a follower of the Buddha (M.ii.177ff).
2. Esukari - King of Benares. He and his chaplain were great friends; neither of them had any sons. They agreed that if either of them should have a son the possessions of both should be given to him. By the intercession of a tree sprite the chaplain had four sons - Hatthipala, Assapala, Gopala, and Ajapala. But when they grew up, one after the other, they renounced the world, and were later joined by the chaplain and the king, with all their retinues.
Esukari was a previous birth of Suddhodana.
The story is related in the Hatthipala Jataka. J.iv.473ff.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Esukari Sutta.
Full-text: Esukari Sutta, Ajapala, Pancali, Hatthipala, Hatthipala Jataka, Assapala.
Relevant text
Search found 5 books and stories containing Esukari, Esukārī; (plurals include: Esukaris, Esukārīs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
Part V - Brahmapa Vagga < [(b) Majjihma Pannasa Pali]
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 509: Hatthi-Pāla Jātaka < [Volume 4]
Philosophy of language in the Five Nikayas (by K.T.S. Sarao)
2.5(c). Majjhima Nikāya (The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (early history) (by Prakash Narayan)
Caste hierarchy as exhibited in the Buddhist texts < [Chapter 4 - Social Process, Structures and Reformations]
Early Buddhist Attitude to War < [July – September, 1994]