10/17/13Prajnaparamita - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Prajñāpāramitā (Sanskrit: ापार मता) inBuddhism, means "the Perfection of (Transcendent) Wisdom." The wordPrajñāpāramitā combines the Sanskrit words prajñā ("wisdom") with pāramitā ("perfection"). Prajñāpāramitā is a central concept in Mahāyāna Buddhism and its practice and understanding are taken to be indispensable elements of theBodhisattva Path. The practice of Prajñāpāramitā is elucidated and described in the genre of the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, which vary widely in length and exhaustiveness. The Prajñāpāramitā sūtras suggest that all things including oneself, appear as thoughtforms (conceptual constructs).[1][2] Some scholars believe that the earliest Mahāyāna sūtras were of the Prajñāpāramitā type.[3][4] Contents [hide] 1 History 1.1 Earliest texts 1.1.1 Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā 1.1.2 Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā 1.2 Overview of the Prajñāpāramitā sūtras 1.3 Xuanzang and the Mahāprajñāpāramitā 2 Prajnaparamita in visual art 2.1 Prajnaparamita in Ancient Indonesia 3 Selected English translations 4 See also 5 References 6 Literature 7 External links History [edit] [edit] Earliest texts Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā [edit] Western scholars have traditionally considered the earliest sūtra in the Prajñāpāramitā class to be the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra or "Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines", which was probably put in writing in the 1st century BCE.[5]This chronology is based on the views of Edward Conze, who largely considered dates of translation into other languages. The first translation of the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitāinto Chinese occurred in the 2nd century CE. This text also has a corresponding version in verse format, called the Ratnaguṇasaṃcaya Gāthā, which some believe to be slightly older because it is not written in standard literary Sanskrit. However, these findings rely on late-dating Indian texts, in which verses and mantras are often kept in more archaic forms. Additionally, a number of scholars have proposed that the Mahāyāna Prajñāpāramitā teachings were first developed by the Caitikasubsect of the Mahāsāṃghikas. They believe that the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtraoriginated amongst the southern Mahāsāṃghika schools of the Āndhra region, along the Kṛṣṇa River.[6] These Mahāsāṃghikas had two famous monasteries near the Amarāvati and theDhānyakataka, which gave their names to the schools of the Pūrvaśailas and the Aparaśailas.[6] Each of these schools had a copy of theAṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra in prakrit.[6] Guang Xing also assesses the view of the Buddha given in the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra as being that of the Mahāsāṃghikas.[6] Edward Conze estimates that this sūtra originated around 100 BCE.[6] Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā [edit] In contrast to western scholarship, Japanese scholars have traditionally considered theDiamond Sūtra (Vajracchedik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra) to be from a very early date in the development of Prajñāpāramitā literature.[7] The usual reason for this relative chronology which places the Vajracchedik ā earlier is not its date of translation, but rather a comparison of the contents and themes.[8] Some western scholars also believe that the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra was adapted from the earlier Vajracchedik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra.[7] Examining the language and phrases used in both the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā and the Vajracchedik ā,Gregory Schopen also sees the Vajracchedik ā as being earlier than the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā.[9]This view is taken in part by examining parallels between the two en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita 1/4 the eightfold Prajñāpāramitās were taught to bodhisattvas.000 lines 7. also called theMahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra According to Joseph Walser. Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 8000 lines 6. Sārdhadvisāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 2500 lines.10/17/13 Prajnaparamita . Aṣṭasāhasrik ā. or different variations which may be more descriptive. faithful to the original of 600 fascicles.[9] Overview of the Prajñāpāramitā sūtras [edit] An Indian commentary on the Mahāyānasaṃgraha.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita [edit] Mahayana buddhism took root in ancient Java Sailendra court in the 8th century CE.[14] Prajnaparamita in visual art [edit] The Prajnaparamita is often personified as a bodhisattvadevi (female bodhisattva). Both have been translated into many languages and have often been commented upon. with a team of disciple translators.[13] Xuanzang was being encouraged by a number of the disciple translators to render an abridged version. Triśatik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 300 lines. After a suite of dreams quickened his decision. The texts may have other Sanskrit titles as well. 1. Prajñāpāramitā terma teachings are held by some Tibetan Buddhists to have been conferred upon Nāgārjuna by Nāgarāja. which exists in both 14-line and 25-line versions. these works also show a shift in emphasis from an oral tradition (Vajracchedik ā) to a written tradition (Aṣṭasāhasrik ā). the middle was taught to the group of five because they were at the stage of saints. complete volume. gives a classification of teachings according to the capabilities of the audience: [A]ccording to disciples' grades. Pañcaśatik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 500 lines 3.[10] The titles of these eight Prajñāpāramitā texts are given according to their length. the Diamond Sūtra and the Heart Sūtraare in a class by themselves and deservedly renowned throughout the world of Northern Buddhism. The depiction of Prajnaparamita statue as a goddess is also can be found in ancient Java and Cambodian art. and Śatasāhasrik ā. the bodhisattva Mañjuśrī's exposition of Prajñāpāramitā 4. Artifacts from Nalanda depict the Prajnaparamita personified as a goddess.000 lines. and [the Prajñāpāramitās ] are superior in eliminating conceptually imagined forms. Pañcaśatik ā. the inferior was taught to the merchants Trapuṣa and Ballika because they were ordinary men. Saptaśatik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 700 lines. Edward Conze writes. Aṣṭadaśasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 18. Additionally. the Diamond Sūtra. there are also other Prajñāpāramitā sūtras such as the Heart Sūtra(Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya). Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 25. the free encyclopedia works. Prajnaparamita in Ancient Indonesia en. The lengths specified by the titles are given below.Saptaśatik ā. or Vajracchedik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra 2.[13] Xuanzang.000 lines) and the Śatasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (100. there is evidence that the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (25. Regarding the shorter texts. King of Nāgas. Xuanzang determined to render an unabridged.[11] In addition to these. commenced translating the voluminous work in 660 CE using the three versions to ensure the integrity of the source documentation.000 lines) have a connection with the Dharmaguptaka sect.000 lines 8. who had been guarding them at the bottom of the sea. The Mahayana reverence of female 2/4 .wikipedia. in which theAṣṭasāhasrik ā seems to represent the later or more developed position. For example.Wikipedia.Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrik ā."[12] Tāntric versions of the Prajñāpāramitā literature were produced from the year 500 CE on. "Two of these.[9] According to Schopen. Xuanzang and the Mahāprajñāpāramitā [edit] Xuanzang returned to China from India with three copies of the Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtrawhich he had secured from his extensive travels. from the questions of Suvikrāntavikrāmin Bodhisattva 5. The eightfold [Prajñāpāramitās ] are the teachings of the Prajñāpāramitā as follows: the Triśatik ā. Sārdhadvisāhasrik ā. Aṣṭadaśasāhasrik ā. Śatasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: 100. while the Aṣṭasāhasrik ā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (8000 lines) does not. the Dharma is [classified as] inferior and superior. entitled Vivṛtaguhyārthapiṇḍavyāk hyā. in contrast with rich and intricate jewelry and decorations. Srivijaya Maharaja Balaputra of Sailendras also constructed one of Nalanda’s main monasteries in India itself.000 lines. Sumatra. Prajñāpāramitā statue from East Java (front). the tantric buddhism gained royal patronage of king Kertanegara of Singhasari. the free encyclopedia buddhist deity started with the cult of Tara enshrined in the 8th century Kalasan temple in Central Java.wikipedia. Tara and Prajnaparamita are both referred to as mothers of all Buddhas. Some of Prajnaparamita's important functions and attributes can be traced to those of the goddess Tara. Both of East Java and Jambi Prajnaparamitas bear resemblance in style as they were produced in same period. and behind her head radiates a halo or aura of light to suggest a divinity that has reached the highest wisdom. In January 1978. Today the beautiful and serene statue is displayed on 2nd floor Gedung Arca. Thereafter manuscript editions of the Ashtasahasrik a Prajnaparamita Sutra circulating in Sumatra and Java instigated the cult of the 'Goddess of Transcendent Wisdom'. where it became a prized possession of the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde in Leiden. where it was placed inNational Museum of Indonesia.000 and 18. The Sailendra dynasty was also the ruling family of Srivijaya buddhist empire in Sumatra.10/17/13 Prajnaparamita . East Java. Monnereau. Jakarta. Her left arm is placed around an utpala (blue lotus). probably as a deified portrayal of the queen.000 lines 1983 1985 University of California 3/4 . en. In 1820 Monnereau gave the statue to C. The statue stands before a carved stela. Conze Wisdom ISBN 978-0877737094 London Rabten. It was discovered in almost perfect condition in the Cungkup Putri ruins near Singhasari temple. a Dutch East Indies official. on top of which sits the lontar palm leaf book Prajnaparamita-sutra. and thereafter some of Prajnaparamita statues were produced in the region. Another opinion links the statue with Queen Gayatri Rajapatni. The goddess wears her hair high arranged in Jatamakuta crown.G. Prajñāpāramitā statue from Singhasari. Reinwardt.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita Includes the Heart Sutra withTibetan commentary Mostly the version in 25. the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde returned the statue to Indonesia. Prajñāpāramitā statue from East Java (angle). with some parts from the versions in 100. who later brought the statue to the Netherlands. however unfortunately Prajnaparamita of Jambi is headless and was discovered in poor condition. The statue of Prajnaparamita of East Java is probably the most famous depiction of the goddess of transcendental wisdom.C. During the reign of the third Pala king Devapala (815-854) in India.[15] In 13th century. Selected English translations Author Title [edit] Publisher Notes Portions of various Perfection of Wisdom sutras Year 1978 Buddhist Edward Selected Sayings from the Perfection of Society. Local tradition links the statue to Queen Ken Dedes the first queen of Singhasari. Malang.Wikipedia. such as the Prajnaparamita of Singhasari in East Java and Prajnaparamita of Jambi. East Java. The statue was discovered in 1818 or 1819 by D. The statue of the goddess Prajnaparamita of East Java is considered the masterpiece of classical ancient Java Hindu-Buddhist art in Indonesia. the consort ofKertarajasa the first king of Majapahit. Echoes of Voidness ISBN 0-86171-010Wisdom Geshe X Edward The Large Sutra on Perfect Conze Wisdom ISBN 0-520-05321-4 Lopez. The goddess performs dharmachak ramudra (the mudra symbolizing turning the wheel of dharma). since Buddhas are born from wisdom. Prajñāpāramitā statue from East Java (clothing). The serene expression and meditative pose and gesture suggest peace and wisdom. The goddess is in a perfect lotus meditative position sitting on a padmasana (lotus throne) on a square pedestal. Indonesian National Museum. ISBN 978-0-86171-511-4 Publications Tsering Richard The Heart of Buddhist Wisdom. Elaborations on EmptinessISBN 0-691Donald Princeton 00188-X S. 978-1478389576 Jones Thunderous Silence: A Formula For Doosun Ending Suffering: A Practical Guide to Yoo the Heart Sutra.Wisdom 0-86171-284-7 Publications Heart Sutra with commentary by the 14th Dalai Lama 2005 A guide to the topic of emptiness from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. one word.wikipedia. 700 lines.ISBN 978-1614290537 Jackson Square Books Wisdom Publications 2009 2012 2013 en. plus some Tantric sutras. and other texts with notes and essays English translation of the Heart Sutra with Korean Seoncommentary. Heart Sutra with commentary 2004 Essence of the Heart Sutra.Wikipedia. all without commentaries. Text and Commentaries Translated from Sanskrit and Chinese ISBN 1-58243-256-2 Tharpa The Heart Sutra with eight complete Indian and Tibetan commentaries 1998 The Heart Sutra with a Tibetan commentary 2001 Counterpoint The Diamond Sutra with Chán/Zencommentary 2001 Perfect Wisdom. the free encyclopedia Donald The Heart Sutra ExplainedISBN 0S. ISBN H. 88706-590-2 Thich Nhat Hanh The Heart of UnderstandingISBN 0938077-11-2 SUNY The Heart Sutra with a summary ofIndian commentaries 1987 Parallax Press The Heart Sutra with aVietnamese Thiền commentary 1988 The Heart Sutra and the Diamond Sutra with commentaries The Diamond Sutra with a Vietnamese Thiền commentary A less strict interpretive translation of most of the version in 8. Geshe Emptiness: The Foundation of Buddhist Wisdom Tashi Thought.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita 4/4 . The Heart Sutra and The Diamond 2003 Sutra. ISBN 978. the Diamond-Cutter Sutra.10/17/13 Prajnaparamita .000 lines Edward Buddhist Wisdom BooksISBN 0-04Conze 440259-7 Thich Nhat Hanh Lex Hixon The Diamond that Cuts Through Illusion ISBN 0-938077-51-1 Unwin 1988 Parallax Press 1992 Mother of the Buddhas: Meditation on the Prajnaparamita Sutra ISBN 0-8356.Quest 0689-9 Four Seasons Foundation 1993 The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Edward Thousand Lines and its Verse Conze SummaryISBN 81-7030-405-9 The earliest text in a strict translation 1994 Lopez. (Luzac reprint) Counterpoint Most of the short sutras: Perfection of Wisdom in 500 Lines. Totnes. The Short Edward Prajnaparamita Texts ISBN 0-946672Conze 28-8 Red Pine 14th Dalai Lama The Heart Sutra: the Womb of Buddhas ISBN 978-1593760090 Buddhist Publishing Group. with English translation of the Heart Sutra Clear English translations of the Heart Sutra. the Collection of Highest Qualities. Geshe Kelsang Heart of Wisdom ISBN 0-948006-77-3 Gyatso Red Pine The Diamond Sutra: The Perfection of Wisdom.