Pratighacitta, Pratigha-citta: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Pratighacitta 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 Pratighachitta.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Pratighacitta in Mahayana glossary

Pratighacitta (प्रतिघचित्त) (Cf. Apratighacitta) refers to “hostile intent”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “Son of good family, there are eight purities of patience of the Bodhisattvas, which are like open space. What are these eight? (1) the purity of patience without any hostile intent toward all living beings (sarvasatva-apratighacitta) just as there is no hostile intent in open space; (2) the purity of patience without any attachment just as open space has no desire for profit and honour; (3) the purity of patience which is the equal attitude toward all living beings just as open space is united equally; (4) the purity of unimpaired patience [although] with diminishing body and thought just as open space is unimpaired; [...]”.

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

Pratighacitta (प्रतिघचित्त) refers to a “hostile thought”, according to the Bodhicaryāvatārapañjikā chapter 6.—Accordingly, “If should I retaliate towards those who strike with sticks and the like, nevertheless they are not protected. No remedy whatsoever would be achieved for them in regard to going to the hells etc. On the contrary, I must not strike back even when struck. Thus, I should not disturb my benevolent mind (maitracitta) towards all beings. Finally, a hostile thought (pratighacitta) should not be produced even towards a burnt tree stump. From such beginnings, there would be the very abandonment of my Bodhisattva course of conduct. [...]”.

Source: Australian National University's Open Research repository: Kṣānti in the bodhisattva path of Śāntideva
Mahayana book cover
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.

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