Vaivartika: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Vaivartika 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)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraVaivartika (वैवर्तिक) refers to a “Bodhisattva with regression” according to the according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter VII).—“There are two kinds of Bodhisattvas, with regression (vaivartika) or without regression (avaivartika) as is the case for the Arhats who are susceptible of falling back (parihāṇa-dharman) or not susceptible of falling back (aparihāṇa-dharman). The non-regressing Bodhisattvas are called the true Bodhisattvas for they are it truly; the others, the Bodhisattvas susceptible of falling back, are called Bodhisattva by extension. In the same way, those who have found the fourfold path are called the true assembly (saṃgha) for they are really it; the others, those who have not found the path, are called assembly by extension”.
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the GaganagañjaparipṛcchāVaivartika (वैवर्तिक) refers to “falling back” (as opposed to Avaivartika—‘not falling back’), according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly: “[...] Then the Bodhisatva Gaganagañja said this to the women: ‘Sisters, bring your respective husbands just as they were’. Then the women, having brought their respective husbands, being filled with rejoicing and happiness of mind, returned to their respective homes. After that, by those magically conjured-up beings, during seven days, the women were brought to maturity, in the way that they attained the stage of not falling back (avaivartika) from the supreme and perfect awakening. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Vaivartikavata.
Ends with: Avaivartika.
Full-text: Avaivartika, Avaivartikatva, Bodhisattva.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Vaivartika; (plurals include: Vaivartikas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Part 3 - Regressing or non-regressing Bodhisattva < [Chapter VIII - The Bodhisattvas]
A Dictionary Of Chinese Buddhist Terms (by William Edward Soothill)