Sogdiana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sogdiana 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Sogdiana is the name of a territority mentioned as one of the “low places of birth”, which represents one of the five dreadful things mentioned in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XL.1.4. Accordingly, “in regard to Buddha’s mundane qualities (laukikaguṇa), no one is able to attain them because he has rooted out dreadful things at their very roots. These dreadful things are: (2) a low place of birth (nīcajāti-sthāna), for example: Sieou-li (Sòli, Sogdiana)”.

The Sieou-li of the Traité, of the north of the Tukhāra domain, are the Sogdians, the Sou-li of Hiuan-tsang, possessing a special scripture and a definite literature.

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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