Mahagovinda Sutta, Mahāgovinda-sutta: 1 definition
Introduction:
Mahagovinda Sutta 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 NamesPancasikha visits the Buddha at Gijjhakuta and tells him of a meeting once held in Tavatimsa. At this meeting Sakka rejoices with the devas of Tavatimsa over the increase in their numbers owing to the appearance in their midst of new devas produced by the good kamma of the followers of the new view of life put forward by the Buddha. Sakka expresses his joy in a song and then utters an eulogy on the eight qualities of the Buddha. Brahma Sanankumara appears and desires to hear the eulogy, which is, accordingly, repeated for his benefit. Sanankumara says that the Buddha has ever been thus wise, and tells the story of Disampati and his son Renu. Disampati has a purohita called Govinda and when he dies Disampati is distressed, but, at the suggestion of Renu, appoints Govindas son Jotipala in his place.
On the death of Disampati Renu becomes king, and, with Jotipalas help, divides his kingdom into seven to be shared by himself and six of his friends, the divisions of the kingdom being Dantapura, Potana, Mahissati, Roruka, Mithila, Campa and Baranasi; and the kings, respectively, are: Sattabhu, Brahmadatta, Vessabhu, Bharata, Renu and two Dhataratthas. Jotipala, now called Mahagovinda by virtue of his post, trains seven others to fill the posts of stewards to the seven kings. Mahagovinda acquires the reputation of having seen Brahma face to face, and, in order to justify this reputation, he takes leave of Renu and practises meditation for four months. During his meditation, Sanankumara appears before him and tells him that he may see Brahma face to face and attain communion with him. Here we have the teaching regarding the ideal brahmin. Mahagovinda decides to leave the world and carry out the teachings of Sanankumara. Having obtained the leave of his master, he enters the homeless life, where he practises the four ecstasies of love, pity, sympathy in joy and equanimity. He teaches these to his disciples, and, after death, they are all born into the Brahma world.
At the end of Pancasikhas recital, the Buddha tells him that he himself was Mahagovinda and therefore remembers all that life. D.ii.220 51; cp. Janavasabha Sutta, also Mtu.iii.197ff.
In the Mahagovinda Sutta, brahmacariya is explained as the four infinities (appamanna), infinite love, etc. DA.i.178; MA.i.275.
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: Mahagovinda, Sutta.
Full-text: Mahissati, Sovira, Pancashikha, Renu, Mithila, Videha, Ujjeni, Anga.
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Mahagovinda Sutta, Mahāgovinda-sutta; (plurals include: Mahagovinda Suttas, suttas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Philosophy of language in the Five Nikayas (by K.T.S. Sarao)
2.5(b). Dīgha Nikāya (The Long Discourses of the Buddha) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
(b) Maha Vagga Pali < [Chapter IV - Suttanta Pitaka]
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 495: Dasa-Brāhmaṇa-jātaka < [Volume 4]
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Part 10b - The method of fulfilling the Perfection of Morality (Sīla-Pāramī) < [Chapter 7 - On Miscellany]