Uggasena: 1 definition
Introduction:
Uggasena 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
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names1. Uggasena - King of Benares. The Naga king, Campeyya, was brought before him by a brahmin snake charmer for a performance, but when the king learnt from the Nagas sister, Sumana, what had happened, he caused the Naga to be set free. Later, Campeyya took him to the Naga world and shewed him every honour. Uggasenas subjects were allowed to bring back from the Naga world whatever they desired (J.v.458ff; Mtu.ii.177ff).
The story is told in the Campeyya Jataka (q.v.). In the present age Uggasena became Sariputta. J.v.468.
2. Uggasena - Son of a banker of Rajagaha. He fell in love with a very skilful acrobat, married her and followed her about with her troupe. When he discovered that she despised him for his lack of skill as an acrobat, he learnt the art and became a clever tumbler. The Buddha knew that Uggasena was ready for conversion and entering Rajagaha while Uggasena was displaying his skill before a large crowd of people, withdrew their attention from his skilful feats. Seeing Uggasenas disappointment, the Buddha sent Moggallana to ask him to continue his performance, and while Uggasena was displaying his skill by various tricks, the Buddha preached to him, and Uggasena became an arahant, even as he stood poised on the tip of a pole, and later became a monk. His wife also left the world soon after and attained arahantship.
In the time of Kassapa Buddha they were husband and wife. On their way to the shrine of the Buddha where they worked as labourers, they saw an Elder and gave him part of the food they had with them and expressed the desire that they should, one day, like him, realise the Truth. The Elder, looking into the future, saw that their wish would be fulfilled and smiled. The wife, seeing him smile, said to her husband that the Elder must be an actor, and the husband agreed. Because of this remark they became actors in this life, but through their pious gift they attained arahantship. DhA.iv.59-65; also ibid., 159.
3. Uggasena - King, husband of Queen Dinna (q.v.)
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Uggasena Nanda, Uggasena Vatthu, Uggasenagadha.
Full-text: Uggasena Vatthu, Ugrasena, Dinna, Campeyya Jataka.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Uggasena; (plurals include: Uggasenas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Part 5 - The Story of Richman’s Son, Uggasena, the Acrobat < [Chapter 22 - Founding of Vesali]
Dhammapada (Illustrated) (by Ven. Weagoda Sarada Maha Thero)
Verse 348 - The Story of Uggasena < [Chapter 24 - Taṇhā Vagga (Craving)]
Verse 397 - The Story of Uggasena the Acrobat < [Chapter 26 - Brāhmaṇa Vagga (The Brāhmaṇa)]
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 506: Campeyya-jātaka < [Volume 4]