Kirapatika: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kirapatika 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»] — Kirapatika in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A household of Vesali, a pious follower of the Buddha. Once when the Buddha was staying in Vesali, a poor man, wishing to give alms to him and to the monks, asked Kirapatika for money to provide the alms; Kirapatika gladly gave him much money and the Buddha and the monks were invited. But the monks, having heard of the mans poverty, had a full meal earlier, so that when the man served them with the food he had prepared they could eat but very little. The man was greatly offended and the Buddha, hearing of it, made an order to the monks prohibiting such conduct (Vin.iv.75f).

Buddhaghosa says (Sp.iv.817) that the householders name was Kira, but that he was called Kirapatika on account of his great influence. He gave his workmen regular and generous wages.

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).

Discover the meaning of kirapatika in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

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