Nairyana, Nairyāṇa: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

Nairyāṇa (नैर्याण) refers to “(being) beyond any way” [?], 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: ‘[...] (15) Having crossed over to the other side (uttīrya), saving (uttaraṇa) an inconceivable number of living beings (bahusatva), having been released yourself (muktvā), you completely release those still in bondage (bandhana), you care for the living beings of the world (jagat) in this unsurpassable (anuttara) great vehicle (mahāyāna), and you place them in extinction, which is the sameness of being beyond any way (nairyāṇa). [...]”.

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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