Migasira: 1 definition

Introduction:

Migasira 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)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Migasira Thera. He belonged to a brahmin family of Kosala, and was so called because he was born under the constellation of Migasira.

He acquired brahmin culture and practiced the skull spell (chavasisamanta), by which he could tap with his nail on the skull and declare the destiny of the dead person. Later, he became a Paribbajaka and visited the Buddha at Savatthi. The Buddha, having been told of his claims to knowledge, gave to him the skull of an arahant. Migasira tried his art, but had to confess himself beaten. The Buddha thereupon offered to teach him if he would join the Order. Migasira agreed and soon became an arahant.

In the time of Kassapa Buddha he was a brahmin, and, seeing the Buddha, offered him eight handfuls of kusa grass (? kusattha) (Thag.vss.181f.; ThagA.i.305ff.).

He is evidently identical with Kusatthakadayaka Thera of the Apadana. v.l. Migasisa. Ap.ii.416.

2. Migasira. The name of a constellation and the month named after it. E.g., DA.i.241.

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).

Discover the meaning of migasira in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

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