Brahmayus, Brahmāyus: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Brahmayus means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraBrahmāyus (ब्रह्मायुस्) is the name of a Brāhmin householder of olden times subdued by the Buddha mentioned in order to demonstrate the fearlessness of the Buddha according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XL.1.4. Accordingly, “Brāhmin householders (gṛhsatha), having gone through all the worldly sciences and respected by great kings such as Fan-mo-yu (Brahmāyus), etc., all became his disciples. Some obtained the first fruit of the Path; others the second, third or fourth fruits”.
Brahmāyus was a brāhmin from Mitilā in Videha. He was versed in the three Vedas and the auxiliary sciences. At the age of 108 years, he sent his disciple Uttara to the Buddha to learn if the latter indeed possessed all the physical marks of the Mahāpuruṣa. The disciple was able to reassure him not only on the physical integrity of Śākyamuni but also on his perfect deportment. Shortly afterwards, the Buddha came to Mithila and settled at Makhādevambavana. Brahmāyus went to visit him and confirmed de visu the secret signs of the Buddha. Prostrating at his feet, he begged the Teacher to come to his home with the monks and he entertained them for a week. After the departure of the Community, Brahmāyus died and the Buddha declared that the old brāhmin had found the fruit of anāgāmin. – This is told in the Brahmāyusutta of the Majjhima, II, p. 133–146 (Tchong a han, T 26, k. 41, p. 685a–690a; Lao p’o lo men king, T 75). See also Vibhāṣā, T 1546, k. 1, p. 3a4; Mahāvastu, II, p. 76–82.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Brahmāyus (ब्रह्मायुस्):—[from brahma > brahman] n. Brahmā’s life-time, [Viṣṇu-smṛti, viṣṇu-sūtra, vaiṣṇava-dharma-śāstra]
2) [v.s. ...] mfn. living as long as Br°, [Siṃhāsana-dvātriṃśikā or vikramāditya-caritra, jaina recension]
3) [v.s. ...] m. Name of a Brāhman, [Buddhist literature]
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Videhapura.
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Brahmayus, Brahmāyus; (plurals include: Brahmayuses, Brahmāyuses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
Chapter IX - The Story of Dharmapāla < [Volume II]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
IV. How do we know that the Buddha is fearless? < [Part 1 - The four fearlessnesses of the Buddha according to the Abhidharma]
Appendix 2 - The Anavolokitamūrdhatā (invisible cranial summit) < [Chapter XXXVI - The eight recollections (anusmṛti or anussati)]
Introduction to third volume < [Introductions]
The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha) (by Samuel Beal)
Buddhacarita (by Charles Willemen)
Chapter XXI - Subduing the Maddened Elephant Dhanapālaka < [Fascicle Four]