Mayopama, Māyopama, Maya-upama: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Mayopama 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Māyopama (मायोपम) refers to a “magic show”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 22, v2).—Accordingly, “In all his births, the Bodhisattva is born apparitionally.—(a) According to some, the Bodhisattva mounted on a white elephant, surrounded, venerated, respected, esteemed and served by innumerable Tuṣita gods, penetrated along with them into the belly of his mother.—(b) According to others, the Bodhisattva’s mother, possessing the concentration like a magic show (māyopama-samādhi) caused her belly to expand inordinately; all the Bodhisattvas of the trisāhasramahāsāhasradlokadhātu, the Devas, Nāgas and Asuras were able to enter into it and come out. In this belly there is a palace and a platform. The deities set a bed there, hung banners, spread it with flowers and burned incense; all this was the result of the meritorious actions of the Bodhisattva. Next the Bodhisattva comes down and takes his place there and, by the power of his concentration, enters into the womb while staying as previously in the heaven of the Tuṣita gods”.

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Māyopama (मायोपम) refers to “that which is like an illusion”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] The Bodhisattva Gaganagañja then sustained the jewel-canopy of ten thousand yojanas high over the Lord’s lion throne in the sky, joined the palms of his hands, saluted, and praised the Lord with these suitable verses: ‘[...] (13) The parts of the personality, realms and fields of perception (skandhadhātu-āyatana) are as an illusion (māyā-upama); the three worlds are as the reflection of the moon in the water (udakacandra-upama) without change (acyuta); all living beings are non-existence (abhāva) as a dream (svapnopama). Having realized the fact that all things are like a dream by the knowledge, you teach this dharma. [...]”.

Mahayana book cover
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.

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