Shvetapataka, Śvetapatāka, Shveta-pataka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Shvetapataka 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 Śvetapatāka can be transliterated into English as Svetapataka or Shvetapataka, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Shvetapataka in Mahayana glossary
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Śvetapatāka (श्वेतपताक) refers to “white ribbons” (suitable for an offering ritual), according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [as the Bhagavān teaches the offering of the root spell], “[...] A square maṇḍalaka should be prepared. Flowers should be scattered. Four filled jars should be placed. Four arrows should be dig into the ground. Four white ribbons (śvetapatāka) should be fixed. Offerings should be placed in the middle of the maṇḍalaka. [...]”.

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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