Mahamangala Jataka, Mahāmaṅgala-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Mahamangala 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)

[«previous next»] — Mahamangala Jataka in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Mahamangala Jataka Mahamangala Jataka (No. 453)

The Bodhisatta, called Rakkhita, was born in a wealthy brahmin family. He married, and then, having distributed all his wealth, became an ascetic with five hundred followers. During the rains, his disciples went to Benares and dwelt in the kings park, while Rakkhita stayed in the hermitage. At that time there was a great discussion going on among men as to what constituted auspiciousness, and Rakkhitas disciples, on being consulted, said that Rakkhita would solve the problem. They, therefore, went to Rakkhitas hermitage and asked him the question, which he answered in a series of eight verses. (The mangalas enumerated in these verses differ from those given in the Mangala Sutta). The disciples, having learnt the verses, returned to Benares, where they expounded them, thus setting all doubts at rest.

The story was related in reference to the preaching of the Mahamangala Sutta. It happened that in Rajagaha there was a large assembly at the Santhagara, and a man rose and went out, saying, This is a day of good omen. Some one, hearing this, inquired the meaning of good omen. One said, The sight of a lucky thing is a good omen. But this was denied, and then began the discussion on omens, which, in the end, was carried to Sakka, and referred by him to the Buddha.

The senior disciple of Rakkhita is identified with Sariputta (J.iv.72 9).

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).

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