In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Gopiya (गोपिय) or Gopā is one of the two wifes of the Buddha according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXVIII). Accordingly, “the Bodhisattva Śākyamuni had two wives: the first was called K’iu p’i ye (Gopiya or Gopā), the second Ye chou t’o lo (Yaśodharā) or Ye chou t’o lo heou lo mou (Yaśodharā Rāhulamātā). Gopā, being sterile (bandhya), had no children. Yaśodharā knew she was pregnant (garbhiṇī) the same night that the Bodhisattva left home (pravrajita). After his departure, the Bodhisattva practiced asceticism (duṣkaracaryā) for six years; Yaśodharā was pregnant also for six years without giving birth”.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

gopiya : (abs. of gopeti) having guarded; having protected; having watched.

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Gopa, Yashodhara.

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Search found 2 books and stories containing Gopiya; (plurals include: Gopiyas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Triveni Journal

Reviews < [Oct-Nov-Dec 1940]

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Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

The story of Yaśodharā < [Part 2 - Means of acquiring meditation]

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