Sangarava, Saṅgārava: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sangarava 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: Pali Proper Names

A very learned brahmin of Candalakappa. One day he saw Dhananjani trip up, and heard her exclaim three times, Glory to the Buddha, the arahant, the all enlightened. He blamed her for thus extolling a shovelling monk, but when she told him of the Buddhas marvellous qualities, he felt a desire to see him. Some time after, the Buddha went to Candalakappa and stayed in Todeyyas Mango grove. When Dhananjani told Sangarava that he was there, Sangarava visited him and questioned him on his views on brahmins. The Buddha said he had great regard for brahmins who had here and now won the goal, having discovered unaided a doctrine before unknown. He himself was one of these. He then proceeds to describe how he came to leave the household life and how, in due course, he won Enlightenment.

Sangarava asks further whether there are any gods. The Buddha answers that of that there is no doubt; the whole world is in agreement on that point. Sangarava is pleased and accepts the Buddha as his teacher (M.ii.209ff). Buddhaghosa says (MA.ii.808) that Sangarava was the youngest of the Bharadvajas (q.v.), brothers of Dhananjanis husband.

The Samyutta (S.i.182f) mentions a Sangarava who is perhaps distinct from the above. He lived in Savatthi and was a bath ritualist, believing in purification by water, bathing morning and evening. The Buddha, at Anandas request, visited his house and preached to him the Doctrine, after which he became the Buddhas follower.

The Commentary (SA.i.207) explains that Ananda and Sangarava had, as laymen, been friends, and Ananda was anxious to prevent this wretch (varako) who, for all our friendship has contracted wrong views, from becoming a hell filler; moreover he has a circle of friends, and hundreds may follow if he is converted.

Another Samyutta passage (S.v.121f.; see Sangarava Sutta, 3) contains a sutta in which the brahmin Sangarava visits the Buddha and asks him why he can remember certain mantras with great case and others not at all. It may be this same brahmin who is mentioned several times also in the Anguttara. A.i.168 f; iii.230f.; v. 232, 252. For details see Sangarava SuttA (4 7).

The Commentary states (AA.i.396) that he was an overseer in charge of the repair of the dilapidated buildings in Rajagaha (Rajagahanagare jinnapatisankhara nakarako ayuttakabrahmano).

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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