Soreyya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Soreyya 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.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Soreyya. A town where Soreyya Revata lived (Vin.ii.299). In the time of the Buddha there was a caravan route between Soreyya and Takkasila (DhA.i.326). There was also a direct route from Veranja to Payagatittha, passing through Soreyya, Sankassa and Kannakuja (Vin.iii.11; see also Soreyya Revata).

At one time Maha Kaccayana lived near Soreyya (DhA.i.325). It was evidently a very ancient city, for Anomadassi Buddha is mentioned as having twice preached there once to King Isidatta and again to the king of Soreyya; and it was there that he held his first assembly of monks (BuA.143, 144). Vessabhu Buddha also preached there later to a very large assembly (BuA.206).

2. Soreyya. A setthiputta of Soreyya. Once, when he and a friend with a large retinue were driving out of the city to bathe, he saw Maha Kaccayana adjusting his robe before entering the city for alms. Soreyya saw the Elders body, and wished that he could make him his wife or that his wifes body might become in colour like the Elders. Immediately Soreyya turned into a woman, and, hiding from his companions, went with a caravan bound for Takkasila. Arrived at Takkasila, he became the wife of the Treasurer of that city and had two sons. He had already two sons in Soreyya, born to him before his transformation.

Some time after, he saw his former friend driving in a carriage through Takkasila, and, sending a slave woman to him, invited him to the house and entertained him. The friend was unable to recognize him till he revealed the truth. Thereupon they both returned to Soreyya and invited Maha Kaccayana to a meal. Soreyya fell at his feet, confessed his fault, and asked for forgiveness. When the Elder pardoned him, he once more became a man. He entered the Order under the Elder and went with him to Savatthi. There people having heard his story worried him with questions. He therefore retired into solitude, and, developing insight, became an arahant. Before that, when people asked him which of his children he loved best, he would say: Those to whom I gave birth while a woman; but after attaining arahantship he would say: My affections are set on no one. DhA.i.324ff.

context information

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).

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