Kulavilokana, Kula-vilokana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kulavilokana 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Kulavilokana (कुलविलोकन) refers to the “examination of family” and represents one of the “four examinations” (vilokana) that the Buddha made before entering birth from the Tuṣita heaven, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter VII).—“What is examination of family (kula-vilokana)? The Buddhas are born into two kinds of family, either the Kṣatriyas or the Brahmins, for the Kṣatriyas have great power (prabhāva) whereas the Brahmins have great wisdom (prajñā). It is there that the Buddhas are born according to the need of the times”.

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.

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