Svakartha, Svakārtha: 1 definition

Introduction:

Svakartha 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)

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

Svakārtha (स्वकार्थ) refers to “personal interest” according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter VI).

1) Personal interest (svakārtha) is the practice of the good dharmas. Personal disadvantage is the opposite, irreligion (adharma).

2) Furthermore, faith (śraddhā), discipline (śīla), equanimity (upekṣā), concentration (samādhi), wisdom (prajñā) and the other qualities (guṇa) surpass all wealth (dhana), win present, future and eternal happiness, and lead to the city of immortality (amṛta-nagara). For these three reasons, they are called personal interest (svakārtha).

3) Furthermore, the attainment of present happiness (iha-sukha), future happiness (paratra-sukha) and the eternal happiness of nirvāṇa is called personal interest (svakārtha). The rest is personal disadvantage.

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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