Avijja, Avijjā: 5 definitions
Introduction:
Avijja means something in Buddhism, Pali, Jainism, Prakrit. 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: Google Books: The Great Chronicle of BuddhasAvijjā (अविज्जा) refers to “bewilderment” representing one of the seven anusayas (‘latent tendencies’).—The anusayas are defilements that have not been eradicated by magga-ñāṇa and are liable to arise perceptibly whenever circumstances prevail. These anusayas are of seven kinds. They are called the elements of latent tendencies.They are: (1) Kāmarāga-anusaya, the seed element of greed, (2) Bhavarāga-anusaya, the seed element of attachment to existence, (3) Paṭigha-anusaya, the seed element of hatred, (4) Māna-anusaya, the seed element of conceit, (5) Diṭṭhi-anusaya, the seed element of wrong view, (6) Vicikiccha-anusaya, the seed element of uncertainty, (7) Avijjā-anusaya, the seed element of bewilderment.
Source: Pali Kanon: Manual of Buddhist Terms and DoctrinesAvijjā (“Ignorance”); further s. paticcasamuppāda (1).
Source: Dhamma Study: CetasikasIgnorance (avijja) can, as we have seen, also be classified as a hindrance. There is ignorance with each akusala citta, ignorance is the root of all evil. Ignorance blinds us, it is a hindrance to kusala and to right understanding
One of the six Kamacchandas;
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).
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Buddhist Door: GlossarySanskrit word is Avidya. Literally, it means darkness without illumination. Actually it refers to illusion without englightenment, i.e., the illusory phenomena for realities. Avidya is the first or the last of the Twelve Nidanas. Ignorance, karma and desire are the three forces that cause reincarnation.
Languages of India and abroad
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionaryAvijja (अविज्ज) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Abīja.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Avijja Sutta, Avijja Vagga, Avijjamana, Avijjapaccaya Sutta, Avijjasava, Avijjayogha.
Ends with: Angavijja, Bhutavijja, Khattavijja, Musikavijja, Pasinavijja, Sakunavijja, Sivavijja, Tiracchanavijja, Visavijja.
Full-text (+30): Moha, Avidya, Avijja Vagga, Avijja Sutta, Abija, Anusaya, Samyojana, Nivarana, Langi, Paticcasamuppada, Yathavalakkhana, Vijjagata, Ukkhittapaligha, Ditthasava, Dvayatanupassana Sutta, Raganusaya, Kilesa, Kamayoga, Nivrita, Pariyutthana.
Relevant text
Search found 58 books and stories containing Avijja, Avijjā; (plurals include: Avijjas, Avijjās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada (by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw)
Chapter 2 - Unwholesome Kammas < [Part 2]
Chapter 7 - What Is Avijja < [Part 1]
Chapter 3 - Five Causes In The Past < [Part 9]
Dhammapada (Illustrated) (by Ven. Weagoda Sarada Maha Thero)
Verse 63 - The Story of Two Pick-pockets < [Chapter 5 - Bāla Vagga (Fools)]
Verse 302 - The Story of the Monk from the Country of the Vajjis < [Chapter 21 - Pakiṇṇaka Vagga (Miscellaneous)]
Verse 242-243 - The Story of a Man Whose Wife Committed Adultery < [Chapter 18 - Mala Vagga (Impurities)]
The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada (by U Than Daing)
Chapter 7 - Paticcasamuppada Samsara Is Revolving All The Time
Chapter 9 - The Circling Of Paticcasamuppada
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 1 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 6 - Avijjā and Āsava < [Chapter V - Buddhist Philosophy]
Part 4 - The Doctrine of Causal Connection of early Buddhism < [Chapter V - Buddhist Philosophy]
Part 9 - Upaniṣads and Buddhism < [Chapter V - Buddhist Philosophy]
Patipada (by Acariya Maha Boowa Ñanasampanno)
Chapter XX - Venerable Acharn Mun’s Practice
Chapter XIII - Methods Of Bhavana
Buddha Desana (by Sayadaw U Pannadipa)
Chapter 3 - Two Root Defilements < [Part II - The Dependent Origination]
Chapter 8 - A Being < [Part II - The Dependent Origination]
Chapter 4 - Three Rounds In The Process Of Existence < [Part II - The Dependent Origination]