Sihala, Sīhaḷa, Sīhala, Sīhalā: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Sihala 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.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesThe name given to Vijaya and his companions, founders of the Sinhalese race in Ceylon.
It is said (Mhv.vii.42; cf. Dpv.ix.1) that Sihala was the name given to Sihabahu because he had killed the lion (siham adinnava iti), and because of their connection with him, Vijaya and his companions were also called Sihala.
The word, thereafter, became the name of the inhabitants of Ceylon, as opposed to the Damilas and others.
The Sihala had a vina with very fine strings. KhA.47.
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).
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarysīhaḷa : (adj.) belonging to Ceylon; (m.), a Sinhalese.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionarySīhaḷa, Ceylon; (adj.) Singhalese Mhvs 7, 44 sq.; 37, 62; 37, 175; Dhvs 9, 1; KhA 47, 50, 78; SnA 30, 53 sq. , 397. —°kuddāla a Singhalese hoe Vism. 255; VbhA. 238; —°dīpa Ceylon J. VI, 30; DhsA. 103; DA. I, 1; KhA 132; —°bhāsā Singhalese (language) DA. I, 1; Tikp 259. See Dict. of Names. (Page 714)
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionarySihāla (सिहाल) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Śikhāvat.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Sihalabhasa, Sihalacetika, Sihaladipa, Sihalaka, Sihalasangha, Sihalatthakatha, Sihalavatthu.
Ends with: Tisihala.
Full-text: Tisihala, Shikhavat, Sihaladipa, Siphala, Sasanavamsa, Bhasha, Vanni.
Relevant text
Search found 7 books and stories containing Sihala, Sīhaḷa, Sīhala, Sīhalā, Sihāla; (plurals include: Sihalas, Sīhaḷas, Sīhalas, Sīhalās, Sihālas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Part 4 - Buddha’s Visits to Sihala (Sri Lanka) and Nagadipa < [Chapter 26 - The Buddha’s Eighth Vassa at the Town of Susumaragira]
Part 4 - Kāḷa Buddha Rakkhita Thera < [Chapter 23 - The Buddha’s Fifth Vassa at Vesali]
Part 2 - The Five Great Dreams of the Bodhisatta < [Chapter 7 - The Attainment of Buddhahood]
Dipavamsa (study) (by Sibani Barman)
Mahavamsa (by Wilhelm Geiger)
Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification) (by Ñāṇamoli Bhikkhu)
The Visuddhimagga and its Author < [Introduction]
A Short history of Lanka (by Humphry William Codrington)
Apadana commentary (Atthakatha) (by U Lu Pe Win)
Commentary on the stanza on contact (samsagga) < [Commentary on biography of Silent Buddhas (Paccekabuddha)]
Introduction (commentary on the first stanza) < [Commentary on biography of Silent Buddhas (Paccekabuddha)]