Sukshmajnana, Sūkṣmajñāna, Sukshma-jnana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sukshmajnana 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 Sūkṣmajñāna can be transliterated into English as Suksmajnana or Sukshmajnana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Sukshmajnana in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Sūkṣmajñāna (सूक्ष्मज्ञान) refers to “subtle wisdom” according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XI. Generosity (dāna), discipline (śīla), and concentration (samādhi) are called subtle wisdom. The wisdom of discipline and concentration (śīla-samādhi-jñāna) is subtle wisdom. It is a coarse wisdom (sthūlajñāna) that grasps all the characteristics of dharmas (dharmalakṣaṇa), but it is a subtle wisdom (sūkṣmajñāna) that does not accept or reject any characteristic of dharmas.

These are the innumerable subtle wisdoms (sūkṣma-jñāna) that the Bodhisattvas have acquired and which they teach beings. Thus the Sūtra says that, knowing the course of the mind and the activity of beings, the Bodhisattvas are skilled in saving them by means of the subtle wisdom.

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.

Discover the meaning of sukshmajnana or suksmajnana in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

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