Sunakshetra, Sunakṣetra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Sunakshetra 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 Sunakṣetra can be transliterated into English as Sunaksetra or Sunakshetra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraSunakṣetra (सुनक्षेत्र) is the name of an assistants (upasthāyaka), according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 41).—Accordingly, “[Digression on a case brought against the Buddha; B. The defense].—[6. Use of a Stone Bowl].—‘The Buddha forbade the Bhikṣus to use eight kinds of bowls (pātra)’.—[...] [Question].—But the assistants (upasthāyaka) such as Rādha, Meghika, Sunakṣetra, Nāgasamāla, Ānanda, etc., who followed the Buddha, brought him his utensils. Why did the Buddha not have pity on them? [Answer].—If these assistants carried the Buddha’s bowl, it was with the miraculous intervention (prātihāryabala) of the Buddha. Besides, they honored and venerated the Buddha so highly that they did not find his bowl too heavy. And also, the physical strength of Ānanda was great. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Meghika, Upasthayaka, Pratiharya.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Sunakshetra, Sunakṣetra, Sunaksetra; (plurals include: Sunakshetras, Sunakṣetras, Sunaksetras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
V. The knowledge of the aspirations of beings (nānādhimukti-jñānabala) < [Part 2 - The ten powers in particular]
Appendix 7 - The Buddha’s assistants (upasthāyaka) < [Chapter XLI - The Eighteen Special Attributes of the Buddha]
Digression on a case brought against the Buddha < [Part 1 - Mahāyānist list of the eighteen special attributes of the Buddha]