Vajirapani, Vajirapāṇi, Vajirapāni: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Vajirapani 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 NamesA Yakkha.
It is said that whoever, even up to the third time of being asked, refuses to answer a reasonable question put by a Buddha, his head will split into pieces on the spot. It was Vajirapanis duty to frighten such people by appearing before them in the sky, armed with a thunderbolt, which he was ready to hurl if necessary. He was visible only to the Buddha and the person in question.
Two instances of this are given in the books - once in the case of Ambattha, (D.i.95; cf. the story in the Ayakuta Jataka) and again in that of Saccaka Niganthaputta (M.i.231).
Buddhaghosa says (DA.i.264; MA.i.457; cp. Dvy.130) that Vajirapani is identical with Sakka, and proceeds to describe the fierce appearance assumed by him on these occasions. This arrangement was made in fulfilment of a promise made by Sakka, in the presence of Maha Brahma, when the Buddha was reluctant to preach the Dhamma (See Vin.i.5f), that if the Buddha would establish his rule of the Dhamma (Dhammacakka), Sakka would afford it the necessary protection.
In some places (E.g., Cv.xcvi.37; see also J.R.A.S. 1916, p.733f), Vajirapanis conquest of the Asuras is alluded to, thus establishing his identity with Indra. See also Vajirahattha.
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).
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionaryvajirapāṇi : (m.) having a diamond mace in his hand, i.e. Sakka.
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Vajirapanin.
Full-text: Cula Saccaka Sutta, Vajrapani.
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