Sanghasthavira, Samghasthavira, Saṅghasthavira, Saṃghasthavira, Sangha-sthavira, Samgha-sthavira: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Sanghasthavira means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India. 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)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraSaṃghasthavira (संघस्थविर) refers to an “abbot” (i.e., an arhat possessing the six superknowledges) according the Ṛkṣapati-jātaka embedded in the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XX-2).—Accordingly, “[...] Frightened, the hunter did not dare to eat the flesh of the bear and went to offer it to the saṅgha. The abbot (saṃghasthavira), an arhat possessing the six superknowledges (abhijñā) said to the monks: ‘This bear was a Bodhisattva; in his future existence he will obtain abhisaṃbodhi. Do not eat this meat’.”.
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.
India history and geography
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical GlossarySaṅgha-sthavira.—(LL), an Elder of the Buddhist congrega- tion. Cf. Sthavira. Note: saṅgha-sthavira is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Samgha, Sthavira.
Full-text: Sthavira.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Sanghasthavira, Samghasthavira, Saṅghasthavira, Saṃghasthavira, Sangha-sthavira, Samgha-sthavira, Saṅgha-sthavira, Saṅgha-sthavira; (plurals include: Sanghasthaviras, Samghasthaviras, Saṅghasthaviras, Saṃghasthaviras, sthaviras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study) (by Riddhi J. Shah)
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
The Ṛkṣapati-jātaka < [Chapter XX - (2nd series): Setting out on the Mahāyāna]