Tathagatagarbhasutra, Tathāgatagarbhasūtra, Tathagatagarbha-sutra: 1 definition

Introduction:

Tathagatagarbhasutra 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»] — Tathagatagarbhasutra in Mahayana glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Thought of buddha natureas depicted in the Lankavatara-sutra

Tathāgatagarbhasūtra (तथागतगर्भसूत्र) (early third century CE) is considered the first outcome of the Tathāgatagarbha literature and is the foundational source for the Buddha-nature doctrine. A Tibetan translation and two Chinese translations exist. On the Chinese translations, Buddhabhadra (359-429 CE) produced one and Amoghavajra (705-774 CE) translated the other. The text demonstrates the existence of an inherent potentiality for enlightenment in all beings through a series of similes showing how this potentiality or the Buddha-nature is concealed within each individual. The Buddha-nature in this Sūtra is presented in a simple metaphorical and philosophical style. The text consists of nine examples that represent the relationship between Tathāgatagarbha and defilements that obscure it.

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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