Pattidana, Pattidāna, Patti-dana: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Pattidana 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)

Source: Pali Kanon: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines

lit. 'giving of the acquired', i.e. 'transference of merit.'

Though in the older texts very seldom mentioned (e.g. A.VII.50), it is, however, a widespread custom in all Buddhist countries. It is presumed that moral merit, especially that acquired through giving alms, can be transferred to others, apparently for the reason that one's own good deeds may become to others, especially to departed relatives and friends reborn in the ghost realm, an inducement to a happy and morally wholesome state of mind.

Transference of merit is advocated (though without mentioning the term patti-dāna) in the Tirokudda Sutta (Khp. and Petavatthu) and its Com. (Khp. Tr.).

It is one of the ten 'bases of meritorious action' (puññakiriyavatthu, q.v.), called there pattānuppadāna. (App.).

See 'The Doctrine of Reversible Merit by F. L. Woodward. Buddhist Review (London), Vol. I (1914), p. 38.

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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Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Pattidana in Pali glossary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

pattidāna : (nt.) transference of merit or share.

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

Pattidāna refers to: an assigned or accredited gift, giving of merit (as permanent acquisition), transference of merit VvA. 188, 190; PvA. 9 (°vasena dānadhamma-pariccāgo), 49 (=dakkhiṇā) 88 (id.); Sdhp. 229.

Note: pattidāna is a Pali compound consisting of the words patti and dāna.

Pali book cover
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.

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