The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (2598 page)

(Skt., ‘absence of passion’). An attitude of genuine dispassion and freedom from worldly desires. It is considered a primary requisite for aspirants in most systems of Indian spiritual discipline.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

(Skt., ‘the illuminator’, ‘he who is like the sun’).
1
In Hinduism (as Virocana), an
asura
who attempted, with Indra, to find the self (
tman
):
see
Chandogya Upani
ad
8. 7.
2
In Buddhism, one of the five transcendent Buddhas, associated with the
bodhisattva
Samantabhadra
and the earthly buddha Krakuccanda. He is often depicted making the handclasped sign (
mudra
) of supreme wisdom. Vairocana became identified with the
di-buddha as the personification of
dharma
-k
ya. Vairocana is no longer an epitome of the absolute and undifferentiated nature of all appearance, to be approached only through aeons of insight-meditation, but becomes Mah
vairocana, accessible through cult and ritual. In Japan, Birushana is central in
Shingon
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

see
BAIS
KH
.