In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Mahāsamāja (महासमाज) refers to a “great festival”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XVI.—Accordingly, “[...] by his wisdom (prajñā) and his learning (bahuśruta), Śāriputra possessed great qualities (guṇa). [...] At that time, there were two Nāga-kings (Nāgarāja) at Magadha: the first was called Giri and the second Agra. They brought the rain at the proper time and the country did not experience the years of famine. The people were grateful to them and regularly, in the [second] month of spring (caitra), they went in a crowd to the Nāgas to hold a great festival (mahāsamāja), [...] On that day, it was customary to set up four high seats (bṛsī), the first for the king, the second for the crown prince (kumāra), the third for the prime minister (mahāmātya) and the fourth for the scholar (vādin). [...]”.

context information

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, Samaja.

Starts with: Mahasamajasutra.

Full-text: Agra, Giri, Giryagrasamaja.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Mahasamaja, Mahāsamāja, Maha-samaja, Mahā-samāja; (plurals include: Mahasamajas, Mahāsamājas, samajas, samājas). 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)

Part 1 - Śāriputra at the festival of Giryagrasamāja < [Chapter XVI - The Story of Śāriputra]

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