Mahapranidhana, Mahāpraṇidhāna, Maha-pranidhana: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Mahapranidhana means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraMahāpraṇidhāna (महाप्रणिधान) refers to the “great vow”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 8.—Accordingly: “[Question]:—For how many reasons is he called Bodhisattva? [Answer]:—The Bodhisattva is so called for three reasons: he possesses the great vow (mahāpraṇidhāna), his mind is unshakeable and his energy is irreversible. Furthermore, some say that he is called Bodhisattva starting from the first production of the mind of bodhi, when he made the vow to become Buddha and to save all beings. [...]”.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryMahāpraṇidhāna (महाप्रणिधान):—[=mahā-praṇidhāna] [from mahā > mah] n. the great prayer, ibidem
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Maha, Pranidhana.
Full-text: Samvasana, Nishthapada, Mahasattva, Pranidhana.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Mahapranidhana, Mahāpraṇidhāna, Maha-pranidhana, Mahā-praṇidhāna; (plurals include: Mahapranidhanas, Mahāpraṇidhānas, pranidhanas, praṇidhānas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
IV. Skillful means and wisdom < [IX. Entering into the assurance of Bodhisattva]
IV. True omniscience belongs to the Buddha < [VII. Winning omniscience and the knowledge of all the aspects]
Part 2 - Definition of Bodhisattva < [Chapter VIII - The Bodhisattvas]