Upacala, Upacāla, Upacālā: 1 definition

Introduction:

Upacala 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 Names

Son of Upacala and nephew of Sariputta and Khadiravaniya Revata. He was ordained by Revata (Thag.v, 43; ThagA.i.110). He is mentioned in the Anguttara Nikaya (v.133) in a list of very eminent disciples, together with Cala, Kakkata, Kalimbha, Nikata and Katissaha. They lived in the Kutagarasala in Vesali, but when the Licchavis went there to visit the Buddha, they moved to the Gosingasalavana in search of quiet.

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1. Upacala - Sister of Sariputta (his other sisters being Cala, Sisupacala) and mother of Upacala. When Sariputta left the world to join the Order of monks, his three sisters followed his example and became nuns. It is said that when Upacala was taking her siesta in Andhavana, Mara tried to arouse in her sensual desires, but she vanquished him and became an arahant. Her conversation with Mara is recorded in the Therigatha vv.189-95; ThigA.165f. The Samyutta (i.133f) mentions the temptation of all three sisters by Mara and their conquest of him. But in this account, Upacalas verses are put into Calas mouth, Sisupacalas are ascribed to Upacala and Calas to Sisupacala.

2. Upacala - The chief of the women disciples of Phussa Buddha.

See also Upasala. (J.i.41; Bu.xix.20).

3. Upacala - Chief of the women supporters of Sumana Buddha. Bu.v.28.

context information

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).

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