Nangalakula: 1 definition

Introduction:

Nangalakula 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)

[«previous next»] — Nangalakula in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

An arahant. He was originally a very poor man. A monk of Jetavana, seeing him clad in a loin cloth, carrying a plough on his shoulder, suggested to him that he should become a monk. He was ordained, and, at his teachers suggestion, hung his loin cloth and plough on a tree near the monastery. He was called Napgalakula (ploughman) on account of his former calling. Whenever he felt discontented with monastic life, he would go to the tree and blame himself for his shamelessness in harbouring thoughts of returning to his former life. On being asked where he went, he would say to my teacher. One day he became an arahant, and when asked why he no longer went to his teacher, he answered that the need was no more. This was reported to the Buddha, who praised the monk for his self admonition. DhA.iv.115 17.

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).

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