Pandita, Paṇḍita, Paṇḍitā, Pamdita: 27 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
2. Mahayana
In Jainism
1. General definition
India history
Languages
1. Pali
2. Marathi
3. Sanskrit
4. Kannada
See also
Buy products

Introduction:

Pandita means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. 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 Hinduism

Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)

Source: Wikisource: A dictionary of Sanskrit grammar

Paṇḍita (पण्डित).—Writer of Citprabhā, a commentary on the Paribhāșenduśekhara. A commentary on the Laghuśabdenduśekhara is also ascribed to him. He was a Gauda Brāhmaṇa whose native place was Kurukșetra. He lived in the beginning of the nineteenth century.

context information

Vyakarana (व्याकरण, vyākaraṇa) refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: ISKCON Press: Glossary

Paṇḍita (पण्डित).—A scholar learned in Vedic literature, not only academically but also by dint of spiritual realization. Though this is the proper definition of the word, the term is also loosely applied to any scholar.

Source: Pure Bhakti: Bhagavad-gita (4th edition)

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) refers to “learned scholar”. (cf. Glossary page from Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā).

Source: Pure Bhakti: Brhad Bhagavatamrtam

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) refers to:—A learned person. (cf. Glossary page from Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta).

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) refers to “wise counsellors”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.31 (“Description of Śiva’s magic”).—Accordingly, as Śiva (in disguise of a Brahmin) said to the Lord of Mountains: “[...] For the marriage of Pārvatī, He is not at all a deserving person. On hearing of this, the general public will smile in derision. O lord of mountains, see for yourself. He has not a single kinsman. You are the storehouse of great gems and jewels. He has no assets at all. O lord of mountains, you shall consult your kinsmen, sons, wife and wise counsellors (paṇḍita), except Pārvatī. O lord of mountains, the medicine does not appeal at all to the patient. Wrong diet that brings about great defects always appeals to him”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) refers to “one who is learned” (as opposed to Apaṇḍita—‘unlearned persons’), according to the the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] [Those] unlearned, religious deviants who have abandoned their Vedic rites in vain, think [themselves] to be learned (paṇḍita). They know nothing. The Yogin does not abandon rites. For, [in the no-mind state] he is abandoned by rites, simply because of the cessation of volition, [which] is the root cause of [all] rites. [...]”.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: WikiPedia: Hinduism

Paṇḍita was a title in Indian Buddhism awarded to scholars who have mastered the five sciences (Sanskrit: pañcavidyāsthāna) in which a learned person was traditionally supposed to be well-versed.

The five sciences are:

science of language (śabdavidyā),
science of logic (hetuvidyā),
science of medicine (cikitsāvidyā),
science of fine arts and crafts (śilakarmasthānavidyā),
and science of spirituality (adhyātmavidyā).

The stipulation can be traced to (but may well predate) the Mahāyāna-sūtrālamkāra-kārikā, which states: "Without becoming a scholar in the five sciences, not even the supreme sage can become omniscient. For the sake of refuting and supporting others, and for the sake of knowing everything himself, he makes an effort in these [five sciences]."

etymology: Paṇḍita (Sanskrit; Tibetan: khepa; Wyl: mkhas pa).

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Pandita

The Bodhisatta born as a merchant. See the Kutavanija Jataka.

2. Pandita

One of the four novices invited by the brahmin whose house came later to be known as the Pancachiddageha (DhA.iv.176ff). In the time of Kassapa Buddha he was known as Mahaduggata. In his last birth his mother was the daughter of a rich merchant of Savatthi. During her pregnancy, she had a longing to give to five hundred monks, headed by Sariputta, the choicest portions of red fish, to don yellow robes, to sit in the outer circle of the monks seats, and to partake of the food left over by the monks. This longing was satisfied, and seven times she held similar festivities. When the child was born he was called Pandita because, from the day of his conception, various people of the household who had been stupid or deaf or dumb recovered their faculties. When seven years old, he was filled with the desire to become a monk, and was ordained by Sariputta, a constant visitor to the house. For seven days his parents held a festival in honour of his ordination. On the eighth day he went, with Sariputta, into the village for alms; on the way, certain things which he saw- a ditch, arrow makers, carpenters - made him wish to strive for arahantship. Thereupon, with the leave of Sariputta, he returned to the monastery requesting the Elder to bring him some red fish on his return from the alms round. In the monastery, Sakka stilled all noises and held back the sun and the moon, lest Pandita should be disturbed. The Buddha, seeing this, detained Sariputta back on his way to the monastery, and engaged him in conversation until Pandita should have succeeded in his effort. After a while, Pandita became an arahant and the whole world rejoiced. Ibid., ii.139ff.

3. Pandita

A Pacceka Buddha, mentioned in a nominal list. M.iii.70; ApA.i.107.

Pandita Vagga

The sixth chapter of the Dhammapada.

Pandita Sutta

On three things enjoined by the wise and the good: charity, going into homelessness, and support of parents. A.i.151.

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).

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Pāṇḍita (पाण्डित) refers to “wise persons”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] Son of good family, how does the recollection of morality (śīlānusmṛti) of Bodhisattva becomes like open space? [...] Since there is no visual form, it is praised by the wise (pāṇḍita-praśaṃsita). Since it appeases vices, there is no essential characteristic of recognition. Since it is in accordance with all happiness and is not generated by the contrary, while recollecting this morality, there is no impurity in the recollection. Son of good family, this is what is called the recollection of morality which is authorized by the Lord”.

Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) refers to the “wise and learned”, 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 said to the great Nāga kings]: “Now I will teach the auspicious offering manual which can bring about any effect. This mantra is a unique hero, it will do any task. The wise and learned (paṇḍita) one should call it to mind only once in an elevated place. One should call it to mind in a loud voice and sound. [...]

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.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Paṇḍitā (पण्डिता) is the name of Śrīmatī’s nurse, according to chapter 1.1 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Accordingly,

“[...] One day Śrīmatī had gone to a pleasure-garden, and her nurse, named Paṇḍitā, seized a favorable opportunity and spoke to her privately: ‘You are like my life to me; I am like your mother. There is no reason for lack of confidence between us. Tell me, daughter, why you have taken to silence. Make your grief easier by sharing it with me. When I know your grief, I shall proceed to the business of curing it. For a treatment of an unknown disease is not right’.”.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

India history and geography

Source: Shodhganga: Kakati Ganapatideva and his times

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) is the name of a Telugu poet active during the reign of Gaṇapatideva-mahārāja (r. 1199-1262 A.D.) The political unity, the economic prosperity and growth of Telugu literature created and promoted national consciousness among the Āndhras which found its echos in the literary compositions of this period.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Paṇḍita.—(HD), same as Dharmatattvavit according to Śukra, II. 85; head of the ecclesiastical department (Hist. Dharm., Vol. III, p. 115). (CII 4), epithet of Brāhmaṇas. (IE 8-3), the court Pandit, mentioned as Pātra. Note: paṇḍita is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

paṇḍita : (adj.) wise. (m.) a wise man.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Paṇḍita, (adj.) (cp. Ved. paṇḍita) wise, clever, skilled, circumspect, intelligent Vin. II, 190 (+buddhimanto); D. I, 12 (°vedaniya comprehensible only by the wise), 120 (opp. duppañña); III, 192; M. I, 342; III, 61, 163, 178; S. IV, 375 (+viyatta medhāvin); V, 151 (+vyatta kusala); A. I, 59, 68, 84, 101 sq. , 162 (paṇḍitā nibbānaṃ adhigacchanti); II, 3 sq. , 118, 178, 228; III, 48=It. 16; Sn. 115, 254, 335, 523, 721, 820, 1007, 1125 (Ep. of Jatukaṇṇī); It. 86; Dh. 22, 28, 63 (°mānin), 79, 88, 157, 186, 238, 289; J. III, 52 (sasa°); Nd¹ 124; Pv IV. 3³² (opp. bāla; =sappañña PvA. 254); Dhs. 1302; Miln. 3, 22; DA. I, 117; DhA. IV, 111; VvA. 257; PvA. 39, 41, 60 (=pañña), 93, 99. (Page 404)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

paṇḍita (पंडित).—m (S) A learned Brahman, a doctor, a scholar. 2 Used in letters and notes after the name of a great personage. 3 fig. A person adroit or skilful at a thing gen.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

paṇḍita (पंडित).—m A learned Brahman, a doctor, a scholar. A person adroit or skilful at a thing gen.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Paṇḍita (पण्डित).—a. [paṇḍā tārakā° itac ]

1) Learned, wise; स्वस्थे को वा न पण्डितः (svasthe ko vā na paṇḍitaḥ).

2) Shrewd, clever.

3) Skilled in, proficient, skilful (generally with loc. or in comp.); मधु- रालापनिसर्गपण्डिताम् (madhu- rālāpanisargapaṇḍitām) Kumārasambhava 4.16; so रतिपण्डित (ratipaṇḍita) 4.18; नयपण्डित (nayapaṇḍita) &c.

-taḥ 1 A scholar, learned man, Paṇdita.

2) Incense.

3) An adept, expert.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Paṇḍita (पण्डित).—m.

(-taḥ) 1. A scholar, a teacher, a Pandit, a learned Brahman, or one read in sacred science, and teaching it to his disciples. 2. Incense. 3. Clever. 4. Proficient. E. paṇḍā learning, tāra0 itac aff.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Paṇḍita (पण्डित).—I. adj. Learned, wise, [Bhartṛhari, (ed. Bohlen.)] 2, 14; shrewd, [Pañcatantra] i. [distich] 334; skilled, [Rājataraṅgiṇī] 5, 164. Ii. m. A scholar, a wise man, Mahābhārata 5, 990.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Paṇḍita (पण्डित).—[adjective] learned, educated, wise, clever in, familiar with (—°); [masculine] scholar, teacher. — Abstr. tva† [neuter]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Paṇḍita (पण्डित):—[from paṇḍ] mfn. (according to some, for spandita) learned, wise, shrewd, clever, skilful in, conversant with ([locative case] or [compound]; cf. [Pāṇini 2-1, 40]), [Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa; Upaniṣad; Mahābhārata] etc.

2) [v.s. ...] m. a scholar, a learned man, teacher, philosopher, a Pandit, [Mahābhārata; Kāvya literature] etc.

3) [v.s. ...] Name of a man (= taka), [Mahābhārata]

4) [v.s. ...] of a Brāhman changed into an antelope, [Harivaṃśa]

5) [v.s. ...] incense, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Paṇḍita (पण्डित):—(taḥ) 1. m. A learned man.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Paṇḍita (पण्डित) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Paṃḍia.

[Sanskrit to German]

Pandita in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Paṃḍita (ಪಂಡಿತ):—

1) [noun] a learned or erudite person, esp. one who has profound knowledge of a particular subject; a scholar; a wise man.

2) [noun] anāyurvēdic physician or a man who treats sick men with the knowledge of some native medicines.

3) [noun] a man who has studied deeply a language, grammar, logics or philosophy in a traditional manner.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Relevant text

Search found 89 books and stories containing Pandita, Paṇḍita, Paṇḍitā, Pamdita, Paṃḍita; (plurals include: Panditas, Paṇḍitas, Paṇḍitās, Pamditas, Paṃḍitas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Verse 4.19 < [Chapter 4 - Jñāna-Yoga (Yoga through Transcendental Knowledge)]

Verse 5.4 < [Chapter 5 - Karma-sannyāsa-yoga (Yoga through Renunciation of Action)]

Verse 5.18 < [Chapter 5 - Karma-sannyāsa-yoga (Yoga through Renunciation of Action)]

+ 4 more chapters / show preview

Verse 80 - The Story of Novice Monk Paṇḍita < [Chapter 6 - Paṇḍita Vagga (The Wise)]

Verse 76 - The Story of Venerable Rādha < [Chapter 6 - Paṇḍita Vagga (The Wise)]

Verse 65 - The Story of Thirty Monks from Pāṭheyyaka < [Chapter 5 - Bāla Vagga (Fools)]

+ 18 more chapters / show preview

Verse 4.1.48 < [Chapter 1 - The Story of the Personified Vedas]

Verse 8.13.88 < [Chapter 13 - A Thousand Names of Lord Balarāma]

Verses 4.19.132-133 < [Chapter 19 - A Thousand Names of Srī Yamunā]

show preview