Paracitta: 2 definitions
Introduction
Paracitta 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Parachitta.
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 (eg., paracitta). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Paracittajnana.
Full-text: Upalakshaka, Paracittajnana, Adhikaranika, Jnana, Ten Knowledges, Abhijna.
Relevant text
Search found 3 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)
Note (3): The Eleven Knowledges in the Mahāyāna < [Part 1 - The eleven knowledges (jñāna, ñāṇa)]
II. Conflicting emptions and the traces of conflicting emotions < [VIII. Destroying the traces of the conflicting emotions]
Bodhisattva quality 5: the five superknowledges (pañcābhijña) < [Chapter X - The Qualities of the Bodhisattvas]
Buddhism in a Nutshell (by Narada Mahathera)
A Dictionary Of Chinese Buddhist Terms (by William Edward Soothill)