Shukladanta, Śukladanta, Shukla-danta: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Shukladanta means something in Buddhism, Pali, Jainism, Prakrit. 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 Śukladanta can be transliterated into English as Sukladanta or Shukladanta, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraŚukladanta (शुक्लदन्त) refers to “(the marks consisting of having) white teeth”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 19).—Accordingly, “Furthermore, some say that generosity is the cause and condition (hetupratyaya) for obtaining the thirty-two marks. Why is that? [...] When one gives, one honors the recipient and, as the mind is pure (viśuddha), one obtains the marks consisting of having white teeth (śukladanta) set very close together (aviraladanta). [...]”.
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.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraŚukladanta (शुक्लदन्त) is the name of an ancient Vidyādhara-king from Śulkapura, according to chapter 5.3 [śāntinātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.
Accordingly, as one Vidyādhara said to king Vajrāyudha:—“[...] There is a mountain Vaitāḍhya in the province Sukaccha, the ornament of Videhakṣetra in this same Jambūdvīpa. On top of the mountain [i.e., Vaitāḍhya] is situated a city as crest-jewel of the row of cities, Śulkapura, like a tax on the wealth of the heavens. There lived a Vidyādhara-king Śukladanta, and his wife, Yaśodharā, maintaining the glory of two families. I am their son, Pavanavega, and I attained youth and acquired the collection of arts gradually. [...]”.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Shukla, Danta.
Ends with: Sushukladanta.
Full-text: Avirala, Aviraladanta, Shulkapura, Yashodhara, Pavanavega, Lakshana.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Shukladanta, Shukla-danta, Śukla-danta, Sukla-danta, Śukladanta, Sukladanta; (plurals include: Shukladantas, dantas, Śukladantas, Sukladantas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 5: Story of Śāntimatī < [Chapter III - Eighth incarnation as Vajrāyudha]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
IV. The perfections are causes and conditions of the thirty-two marks < [Part 3 - Possessing a body endowed with the marks]
6. Birth and the thirty-two marks (lakṣaṇa) < [Part 4 - The Bodhisattva in the Abhidharma system]
Part 3 - Pure generosity and Impure generosity < [Chapter XIX - The Characteristics of Generosity]