Kshuradharamarga, Kṣuradhāramārga, Kshuradhara-marga: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kshuradharamarga 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.

The Sanskrit term Kṣuradhāramārga can be transliterated into English as Ksuradharamarga or Kshuradharamarga, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Kshuradharamarga in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Kṣuradhāramārga (क्षुरधारमार्ग) or Kṣuradhāramārga refers to the “path of knives” and represents part of the four utsadas of the Avīci hell according to the “world of transmigration” section in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXVII).—Accordingly, “there arises before them the path of knives (kṣuramārga or kṣuradhāramārga) and they are made to gallop there by whip-lashes. The soles of their feet are cut into pieces like meat minced for cooking; knives, swords and sharp blades fly through their bodies. Just as leaves falling from a frozen tree are scattered at the mercy of the wind, so the sliced-off hands, feet, noses and limbs of these damned cover the ground and torrents of blood flow”.

Mahayana book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of kshuradharamarga or ksuradharamarga in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: