Ratnakula, Ratna-kula: 1 definition
Introduction:
Ratnakula 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.
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In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Ratnakula (रत्नकुल) refers to one of the “five Buddha families” (Sanskrit: Pañcakula; Tibetan: rigs lnga) and forms part of the “Forty-two Peaceful Deities” (Tibetan: zhi ba'i lha zhe gnyis) according to various sources such as the Guhyagarbha Tantra and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.—Ratnakula is known in Tibetan as rinchen rik [rin chen rigs] and is associated with Ratnasambhava and his consort Māmakī.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ratna, Kula, Kola.
Full-text: Rin chen rigs, Pancakula, Ratnasambhava, Ratnapani.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Ratnakula, Ratna-kula; (plurals include: Ratnakulas, kulas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Indian Buddhist Iconography (by Benoytosh Bhattachacharyya)
Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary) (by Gyurme Dorje)
Text 11.5 (Commentary) < [Chapter 11 (Text and Commentary)]
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 2 - Guhyasamāja-tantra system of Noble Nāgārjuna < [Book 7 - The preaching of the Tantras]