In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Vivādabala (विवादबल) is the name of a Brahmacārin according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXX). Accordingly, “Moreover, in P’i ye li (Vaiśālī) there was a Brahmacārin named Louen li (Vivādabala?). The Li tch’ang (Licchavi) granted him a large sum of money to go to debate with the Buddha. Having accepted the engagement, he prepared five hundred arguments during the night and the next day, accompanied by the Licchavis, he went to the Buddha”.

Note: The individual here called Vivādabala “power of argument” is none other than the Parivrājaka Pasūra of the Pāli sources (cf. Suttanipāta v. 824–834; Suttanipāta commentary II, p. 538 seq). According to the Suttanipāta commentary, he was a great debater who went from place to place, holding a jambu branch in his hand. He would set it down in the place he stopped and those who wanted to engage in debate with him were invited to pick it up.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Mrigashiras.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Vivadabala, Vivādabala; (plurals include: Vivadabalas, Vivādabalas). 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)

The Parūrasutta (story of Vivādabala) < [Part 3 - The Prajñā and the teaching of the Dharma]

Appendix 6 - The story of Mṛgaśiras < [Chapter XXX - The Characteristics of Prajñā]

Introduction to second volume < [Introductions]

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