Mahadhammapala Jataka, Mahādhammapāla-jātaka: 1 definition
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Mahadhammapala Jataka 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)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesIn Dhammapala, a village of Kasi, there lived a family whose head was Mahadhammapala. The Bodhisatta was his son, and was called Dhammapala kumara. He went to study at Takkasila. There the teachers eldest son died, but among all the lamentations it was noticed that Dhammapala did not weep. When questioned by his fellows as to how he could refrain, he answered that as it was impossible for anybody young to die, he did not believe his friend was dead. The teacher asked him about this, and found that in Dhammapalas family no one died young. Wishing to know if this were true, he left Takkasila and went to the home of Dhammapala, carrying with him the bones of a goat. After his welcome had subsided, he announced to Dhammapala that his son was dead, and begged him not to grieve. But Dhammapala clapped his hands and laughed, saying that such a thing could never be as no member of their family ever died young. He then told the brahmin, in answer to his query, that they owed their longevity to the fact that they lived good lives.
The story was related to Suddhodana, who told the Buddha how, when the Buddha was practising severe penances, some gods came to him (Suddhodana) and said that he was dead. But he refused to believe them. Suddhodana was Mahadhammapala and the teacher Sariputta (J.iv.50 55). At the conclusion of the Jataka Suddhodana became an anagami and Maha Pajapati Gotami a sotapanna. DhA.i.99; J.i.92.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Jataka.
Full-text: Dhammapala Jataka, Dhammapalagama, Suddhodana, Mahapajapati Gotami, Kapilavatthu.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Mahadhammapala Jataka, Mahādhammapāla-jātaka; (plurals include: Mahadhammapala Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
Chapter IX - The Story of Dharmapāla < [Volume II]