In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Kālavastra (कालवस्त्र) refers to “robes at the proper time”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 2).—Accordingly, “[When it is a question of ‘food at the improper time’ (akālabhojana), or ‘medicine at the proper time’ (kālabhaiṣajya) or ‘robes at the proper time’ (kālavastra), the word ‘kāla’ is always used. Why not say ‘samaya’?]—[Answer:]—Lay people do not understand the expression in the Vinaya; how then could the heretics understand it? They would take up wrong views. Everybody understands the expression ‘samaya’ in the other texts. Therefore by saying ‘samaya’, they are prevented from producing wrong views. ‘Samaya’ is a contrived word, ‘kāla’ likewise is a metaphorical expression. Besides, in the Buddhist texts, the word ‘samaya’ is often used and rarely the word ‘kāla’. Since its use is rare, no objection can be made”.

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: Vastra, Kala.

Ends with: Valkalavastra.

Full-text: Avadata, Avadatavasana, Kalabhaishajya, Bhaishajya, Pesi.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Kalavastra, Kālavastra, Kāla-vastra, Kala-vastra; (plurals include: Kalavastras, Kālavastras, vastras). 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)

Part 5 - Explanation of the word ‘samaye’ < [Chapter II - Evam Mayā Śrutam Ekasmin Samaye]

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