Bhavalakshana, Bhāvalakṣaṇa, Bhava-lakshana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Bhavalakshana 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.

The Sanskrit term Bhāvalakṣaṇa can be transliterated into English as Bhavalaksana or Bhavalakshana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Bhavalakshana in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Bhāvalakṣaṇa (भावलक्षण) refers to the “essential nature” (of the holy Dharma), according to  the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 8.—Accordingly: “[Question]:—What do the words bodhi and sattva mean? [Answer]:—[...] Furthermore, sat means to praise the holy Dharma, tva means the essential nature (bhāvalakṣaṇa) of the holy Dharma. The Bodhisattva is so called because his mind is beneficial to himself and to others, because he saves all beings, because he knows the true nature of all dharmas, because he travels the Path of supreme perfect enlightenment and because he is praised by all the āryas. Why is that? Among all the attributes, that of the Buddha is foremost and because the Bodhisattva wishes to attain it, he is praised by the Āryas.”.

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.

Discover the meaning of bhavalakshana or bhavalaksana in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

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