Pothila, Potthila: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Pothila means something in Buddhism, Pali, Jainism, Prakrit. 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: Pali Proper NamesDuring the dispensation of seven Buddhas, he was learned in the Tipitaka and preached to large numbers of monks, but he failed to win any attainment for himself. Wishing to rouse him to exert himself, the Buddha constantly referred to him as Tuccha Pothila. Pothila took the hint, and, travelling one hundred and twenty leagues, arrived at a forest hermitage where lived thirty monks. He asked their leader to help him, but he referred him to a junior monk, who, in his turn, referred him on, and so on, until at last he was forced to apply to the seven year old novice who sat doing needlework. With his pride humbled, Pothila asked him for advice. In order to test him, the novice asked him to jump into a pool with his robes on. This Pothila did, and the novice, satisfied as to his earnestness taught him how, in the case of an anthill with six holes into which a lizard entered, anyone, wishing to capture the lizard, would close up five of the holes. So with the six doors of the senses; close five doors, and concentrate on the door of the mind. At the end of the discourse, the Buddha appeared before Pothila in a ray of light and Pothila became an arahant (DhA.iii.417-21).
Two verses, addressed to him by Moggallana, are given in the Theragatha (Vs. 1174-5).
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).
Languages of India and abroad
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionaryPoṭṭhila (पोट्ठिल) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Puṣṭila.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Pottilam.
Ends with: Tucchapothila.
Full-text: Tucchapothila, Pushtila.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Pothila, Potthila, Poṭṭhila, Pōṭṭhila; (plurals include: Pothilas, Potthilas, Poṭṭhilas, Pōṭṭhilas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Living Dhamma (by Ajahn Chah)
Letters about Vipassana (by Nina van Gorkom)