Introduction

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Indrasālaguhā (इन्द्रसालगुहा), or more likely, Indraśailaguhā. The reading, Indrasālaguhā ‘, ‘Cave of the Indrasāla tree’, has, as evidence, the Pāli form, Indasālaguhā, the inscription at Bārhut (2nd century B.C.) idasālaguhā. – On the other hand, the reading Indraśailaguha, ‘Indra’s rock cave’, is attested by the Sanskrit fragments. According to Waldschmidt, the Pāli form Indasāla should be the proper reading, and Indraśaila would be a faulty Sanskritization.

Buddhaghosa explained that the cave was between two mountains and an indasāla tree grew at its entrance. – When the Buddha was in this cave, Sakka (Indra) came to ask him a series of questions that are recorded in the Sakkapañhasutta. – The Chinese pilgrims who visited this cave found fragments of the Sakkapañhasutta engraved on the rock. – The visit of Indra has been represented on the monuments at Bārhut, at Sāncī; at Bodhgayā; at Gandhāra; at Mathurā.

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: Guha.

Full-text: Indrasilaguha.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Indrasalaguha, Indrasālaguhā, Indrasala-guha, Indrasāla-guhā; (plurals include: Indrasalaguhas, Indrasālaguhās, guhas, guhās). 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 5 - Description of Indrasālaguhā or Indraśailaguhā < [Chapter V - Rājagṛha]

show preview