Paracitta: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Paracitta means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Parachitta.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationParacitta (परचित्त) refers to “other persons” [?], according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.25 (“The seven celestial sages test Pārvatī”).—Accordingly, as the seven Sages said (with false words) to Pārvatī: “O daughter of the mountain, although you are wise and intelligent, you are not able to see through the conduct of that celestial sage who professes to be a great scholar but who is cruel-minded. Nārada is a quibbler. He misleads others [i.e., paracitta—paracittapramaṃthakaḥ]. If his words are paid heed to, you stand to lose in every respect. [...]”.
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.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraParacitta (परचित्त) or Paracittajñāna refers to the “knowledge of another’s mind” and represents one of the six “superknowledges” (abhijñā), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLIII.—Accordingly, “the Bodhisattva-Mahāsattva who wishes to become established in the six superknowledges [viz., Paracitta] should practice the perfection of wisdom (prajñāpāramitā)”.
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.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgrahaParacitta (परचित्त) or Paracittajñāna refers to the “knowledge of others’ minds” and represents one of the “ten knowledges” (jñāna) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 93). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., paracitta). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Paracittagrahana, Paracittajnana.
Full-text: Upalakshaka, Paracittajnana, Vimoktavya, Jnana, Adhikaranika, Ten Knowledges, Praveshana, Abhijna.
Relevant text
Search found 5 books and stories containing Paracitta; (plurals include: Paracittas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
II. Conflicting emptions and the traces of conflicting emotions < [VIII. Destroying the traces of the conflicting emotions]
Note (3): The Eleven Knowledges in the Mahāyāna < [Part 1 - The eleven knowledges (jñāna, ñāṇa)]
Bodhisattva quality 5: the five superknowledges (pañcābhijña) < [Chapter X - The Qualities of the Bodhisattvas]
Buddhism in a Nutshell (by Narada Mahathera)
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 3 - Acts of the Buddha < [Book 1 - The beginning of the story of the Doctrine]
Reverberations of Dharmakirti’s Philosophy (by Birgit Kellner)
A Dictionary Of Chinese Buddhist Terms (by William Edward Soothill)