Serissaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Serissaka 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 Names1. Serissaka. A Yakkha chieftain to be invoked in time of need by followers of the Buddha. D.iii.205.
2. Serissaka, Serisaka. A vimana in the Catummaharajika world, which was occupied by Payasi during his life there. Gavampati, who used to go there for his siesta, met him and had a conversation with him, which he reported to the Buddha (D.ii.356f). The deva of the vimana was also called Serisaka, and is evidently to be identified with the Yakkha Serissaka.
Payasi was born in the Serisaka vimana, because, though he gave generously, he was careless about the manner of giving. Vessavana therefore stationed him in a desert, devoid of shade or water, to protect travellers from the dangers which beset them at the hands of non humans. He came across some merchants from Anga and Magadha who had lost their way while journeying to Sindhusovira. He revealed to them his identity, and they offered to hold a festival in his honour when they reached safety. But he suggested that gifts be given in his name to a pious man, named Sambhava, who was in their company. Later Sambhava joined the Order and became an arahant (Vv.vii.10; VvA.331).
It is said (DA.iii.814; cf. ThagA.i.103) that the vimana was called Serisaka because there was, at its entrance, a large serisa tree, which bore fruit once in fifty years. Gavampati had earlier occupied the vimana, when born as a devaputta. After his rebirth among humans, the vimana was empty till occupied by Payasi. But Gavampati sometimes visited it even after becoming an arahant.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Gavampati.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Serissaka; (plurals include: Serissakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles: