In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Sarvanarottama (सर्वनरोत्तम) is a synonym for the Buddha according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter IV). Why is he called Sarvanarottama? The Buddha possesses two things: (i) great qualities (guṇa) and the power of the superknowledges (abhijñā), and (ii) an absolutely pure mind and the destruction of the fetters. Although the gods have an accumulation of merit and miraculous power (ṛddhibala), their fetters are not destroyed and consequently their mind is not pure. Since their mind is impure, their miraculous power is decreased. Among the Śrāvakas and the Pratyekabuddhas, the fetters are destroyed and the mind is pure; nevertheless, as their accumulation of merit is reduced, their power (prabhāva) is weak. In the Buddha, the two qualities merit and purity of mind are perfected (paripurṇa). This is why he is called Sarvanarottama, Superior to all men. He is the only one to surpass all men.

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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Search found 1 books and stories containing Sarvanarottama; (plurals include: Sarvanarottamas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

Part 12 - Why is the Buddha called Sarvanarottama < [Chapter IV - Explanation of the Word Bhagavat]

Part 14 - The omniscient Buddha < [Chapter IV - Explanation of the Word Bhagavat]

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