Tathagatavacana, Tathāgatavacana, Tathagata-vacana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Tathagatavacana 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Tathagatavachana.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Tathagatavacana in Mahayana glossary
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Tathāgatavacana (तथागतवचन) refers to the “orders of the Tathāgata”, according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly [as the Nāgas requested the Bhagavān for help], “O Bhagavān, extremely dreadful mantrapadas have been uttered. [...] We will send down rain showers duly at the proper time. We will provide comfort and gladness. We will ripen all crops, flowers and fruits. We will keep the orders of the Tathāgata (tathāgatavacana). We will establish [ourselves] with a truth-vow. We will protect all beings like an only son. [...]”.

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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