Valukopama, Vālukopama, Valuka-upama: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

Vālukopama (वालुकोपम) refers to “resembling the sands” (of a river), according to  the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 1.—Accordingly: there are people who think: “The Buddha is just like ordinary people; like them, he is subject to transmigration; he really experiences the pains of hunger, thirst, cold and heat, old age and sickness”. In order to suppress such concepts, the Buddha preaches the Mahāprajñāpāramitāsūtra and says: “My body is inconceivable Brahmā king of the gods, etc., the gods and the ancients, for periods as numerous as the sands (vālukopama) of the Ganges have tried to measure my body and find the range of my voice; they were unable to test it and still less, my wisdom and my samādhi”. [...]

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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