Vairambhavayu, Vairambhavāyu, Vairambha-vayu: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Vairambhavayu 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»] — Vairambhavayu in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Vairambhavāyu (वैरम्भवायु) refers to a type of wind that comes at the end of the kalpa, according to  the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 28.—Accordingly, “[Bodhisattva T’ien siu asked Mahākāśyapa]:—‘You are very old and the foremost among those who observe the dhutas; why cannot you control your mind and keep still?’ [Mahākāśyapa answered]:—‘My mind would never be disturbed by pleasures divine or human; but here there are marvelous sounds, the reward for immense merits of this Bodhisattva; when he produces these sounds by metamorphosis (nirmāṇa), there is no means to resist. When the winds of the eight directions arise, they are unable to shake Mount Meru; but when the P’i lan wind (Vairambhavāyu) comes at the end of the kalpa, it blows away Mount Meru like straw’”.

Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Vairambhavāyu (वैरम्भवायु) refers to the “Vairambha” type of wind (vāyu), 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 Bhagavān teaches an offering manual]: “A wax Garuḍa should be made. [...] When there is a disturbance by winds, it should be placed at crossroads or at the city gate. All winds are stopped in a moment. Even the Vairambha winds [e.g., vairambhavāyu] are stopped. They are bound and unable to blow again. Merely upon showing, all Nāgas will run away”.

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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