In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Nīlasūtraka (नीलसूत्रक) [=nīlasūtra?] refers to a “blue thread” (suitable for an enchantment ceremonies), according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [as the Bhagavān teaches various Nāga-enchantments], “[...] At the time of excessive rain, having enchanted a blue thread (nīlasūtraka) seven times, seven knots should be made. These overpower excessive rain. Everywhere in other kinds of ritual instructions which involve spells the previously mentioned one is the mantra. First it should be called to mind seven times. It can be employed everywhere. By mere recitation there is accomplishment everywhere. [...]”.

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: Sutraka, Nila.

Full-text: Sutraka, Nilasutra.

Relevant text

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