In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Bodhisattvaniyāma (बोधिसत्त्वनियाम) refers to “entering into the position of Bodhisattva”, according to  the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 43.—Accordingly, “[...] In the womb of the fetters, the passions, the bonds of desire and the threefold poison, the Bodhisattva who has just produced the mind of peerless bodhi is honored by the Buddhas before having done what had to be done. It is only gradually that he will cultivate the six perfections, acquire the power of skillful means, enter into the position of Bodhisattva (bodhisattvaniyāma) and succeed in obtaining the knowledge of all the aspects and save innumerable beings. But [from his first production of the bodhi mind] he prevents the rupture of the Buddha lineage, of the lineage of the Dharma and the lineage of the Community; he prevents the rupture of the causes and conditions assuring pure happiness in the heavens and in this world. [This is why he is honored by the Buddhas as soon as he is conceived]. [...]’”.

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Bodhisattvaniyāma (बोधिसत्त्वनियाम) refers to “(the state of) being determined as a Bodhisattva”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “The Lord said [to Pradīpapāṇi]: “Son of good family, the Bodhisattvas, the great beings [...] who reached to the limit of distinguishing marks by the annihilation of all distinguishing marks, who purified their knowledge which reached to its limit, who are endowed with inexhaustible patience, who have attained the prediction that they will understand the knowledge of the Tathāgata, who have set the boundary [for practice] and entered into the state of being determined as a Bodhisattva (bodhisattvaniyāma-avakranti), who have attained the consecration as sealed with the seal of non-retrogression, [...]”.

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)

Partial matches: Niyama, Bodhisattva.

Full-text: Kanksha, Upayajnana, Avakranti, Niyama, Ashtamaka, Acala.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Bodhisattvaniyama, Bodhisattvaniyāma, Bodhisattva-niyāma, Bodhisattva-niyama; (plurals include: Bodhisattvaniyamas, Bodhisattvaniyāmas, niyāmas, niyamas). 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)

Appendix 1 - Acalā (the eighth bodhisattva bhūmi) < [Chapter XXXVIII - The Eleven Knowledges, the Three Meditative Stabilizations and the Three Faculties]

I. Position of Bodhisattva (bodhisattvaniyāma) < [IX. Entering into the assurance of Bodhisattva]

III. Preparatory practices for the Bodhisattvaniyāma < [IX. Entering into the assurance of Bodhisattva]

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