Samskarabala, Saṃskārabala, Samskara-bala: 1 definition

Introduction:

Samskarabala 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Samskarabala in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Saṃskārabala (संस्कारबल) refers to the “power of actions”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 39).—Accordingly, “[The knowledge of the retribution of actions (karmavipāka-jñānabala)].—[...] [Question].—This way of seeing in regard to action already ripened and action not yet ripened is acceptable. But how can the mind at death, which lasts only a short time, prevail over the power of actions (saṃskārabala) that extend over an entire lifetime? [Answer].—Although this mind may be very short, its power (bala) is intense (paṭu). It is like fire (agni) or poison (viṣa) that, although small, can accomplish great things. The mind at death is so determinate (niyata) and so strong (dhṛta) that it prevails over the power of action (saṃskārabala) extending over a century. [...]”.

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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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