Mahanidana, Mahānidāna, Maha-nidana: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Mahanidana 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)
Seventy two kappas ago there were eight kings of this name, previous births of Vatatapanivariya Thera. Ap.i.207.
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).
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Mahānidāna (महानिदान) refers to “(planting) great roots of good”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 41).—Accordingly, “[Digression on a case brought against the Buddha; B. The defense].—[1. Meeting With The Heretics].—Entering into an assembly of heretics, the Buddha knew well that he would not be believed nor accepted in the present lifetime (ihajanman), but he wanted to plant great roots of good (mahānidāna) for future lifetimes (parajanman—parajanmani). Moreover, he wanted to put an end to the slander of the heretics who said: ‘The Buddha is proud (unnata)’. This is the reason why he went personally into their assemblies. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Maha, Mahanta, Nidana.
Starts with: Mahanidana Sutta, Mahanidanadesana, Mahanidanadesanapariggaha, Mahanidanadesanasangaha, Mahanidananama, Mahanidanasuttanta, Mahanidanasuttantadesana, Mahanidanavannana.
Full-text: Mahanidanasuttanta, Mahanidananama, Mahanidana Sutta, Mahanidanadesana, Mahanidanasuttantadesana, Mahaniddesavannana, Mahanidanavannana, Mahajanaka Jataka, Kuru, Avannata, Parajanman, Ju liu sha, Nidana Sutta, Kammasadamma, Nidana, Jie ji.
Relevant text
Search found 12 books and stories containing Mahanidana, Maha-nidana, Mahā-nidāna, Mahānidāna, Mahanta-nidana, Mahanta-nidāna; (plurals include: Mahanidanas, nidanas, nidānas, Mahānidānas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
(b) Maha Vagga Pali < [Chapter IV - Suttanta Pitaka]
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]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Appendix 13 - Notes on the stanzas spoken by Vaiśravaṇa in honor of the Buddha < [Chapter VIII - The Bodhisattvas]
Part 4 - The buddha’s frequent sojourns in Rājagṛha and Śrāvastī < [Chapter V - Rājagṛha]
Digression on a case brought against the Buddha < [Part 1 - Mahāyānist list of the eighteen special attributes of the Buddha]
Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Biography (2) Khemā Therī < [Chapter 44 - Life Histories of Bhikkhunī Arahats]
Ahara as depicted in the Pancanikaya (by Le Chanh)
4.3.4. Description of Vinnana Ahara < [Chapter 4 - Concept of Ahara in Buddhism]
Lay-Life of India as reflected in Pali Jataka (by Rumki Mondal)
Part 1 - Sources of Bodhisattva concept < [Chapter 2 - Jātaka Stories as a Methodological Instrument]