Sattvakshanti, Sattvakṣānti, Sattva-kshanti: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sattvakshanti 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.

The Sanskrit term Sattvakṣānti can be transliterated into English as Sattvaksanti or Sattvakshanti, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Sattvakṣānti (सत्त्वक्षान्ति) refers to “patience towards beings” and represents a type of kṣānti (patience): a set of qualities acquired by the Bodhisattvas accompanying the Buddha at Rājagṛha on the Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter X. The patience of equanimity (samatā-kṣānti) may be held by beings (sattva). The patience towards beings relates to beings: if beings as numerous as the sands of the Ganges persecute you in every way, you do not feel any anger (dveṣa); if they honor you and pay homage to you in every way, you experience no joy (muditā).

According to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XIV, “There are two kinds of beings for the Bodhisattva: i) those who cover him with respect (satkāra) and veneration (pūjā), ii) those who hate him, insult him, strike him and torment him. The Bodhisattva is able to withstand both kinds: he does not like the man who flatters him; he does not hate the man who harms him. That is patience toward beings (sattva-kṣānti)”.

Mahayana book cover
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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