Kapotakandara: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kapotakandara 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)

[«previous next»] — Kapotakandara in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A grotto, probably near Rajagaha, where, later, a vihara, called the Kapotakondara vihara, was built. The grotto was at one time the residence of a large number of pigeons (kapota), hence the name (UdA.244). On one occasion Sariputta, having recently shaved his head, was seated there wrapt in samadhi, and a yakkha, passing overhead with his friend to an assembly of yakkhas, yielded, despite the warning of his friend, to the temptation to give a knock on the monks shining head. The yakkha immediately fell down and was swallowed up in the fires of hell. Sariputta had but a slight headache after the blow, which was, it is said, heavy enough to crush an elephant (Ud.39f; Thag.vs.998f; PsA.494).

According to the Visuddhi magga (p.380), Sariputta entered into a trance at the very moment the blow was dealt him.

context information

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).

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