Difference between revisions of "Queen Maya"
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− | [[Queen Māyā]] of [[Sakya]] (Māyādevī) was the [[birth]] mother of [[Gautama Buddha]], the sage on whose teachings [[Buddhism]] was founded, and the sister of [[Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī]], the first [[Buddhist nun]] [[ordained]] by the [[Buddha]]. | + | [[Queen Māyā]] of [[Sakya]] ([[Māyādevī]]) was the [[birth]] mother of [[Gautama Buddha]], the [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] on whose teachings [[Buddhism]] was founded, and the sister of [[Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī]], the first [[Buddhist nun]] [[ordained]] by the [[Buddha]]. |
− | [[Māyā]] means "[[illusion]]" or " | + | [[Māyā]] means "[[illusion]]" or "enchantment" in [[Sanskrit]] and [[Pāli]]. [[Māyā]] is also called [[Mahāmāyā]] ("[[Great Māyā]]") and [[Māyādevī]] ("{{Wiki|Queen}}", literally [[deva]] ([[goddess]]) [[Māyā]]). In [[Tibetan]] she is called [[Gyutrulma]] and in {{Wiki|Japanese}} is known as [[Maya-fujin]] ([[摩耶夫人]]). |
− | In [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]] [[Maya]] [[died]] soon after the [[birth]] of [[Buddha]], generally said to be seven days afterwards, and came to [[life]] again in a [[Buddhist]] [[heaven]], a pattern that is said to be followed in the [[births]] of all [[Buddhas]]. [[Thus]] [[Maya]] did not raise her son who was instead raised by his maternal aunt [[Mahapajapati Gotami]]. [[Maya]] would, however, on occasion | + | In [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]] [[Maya]] [[died]] soon after the [[birth]] of [[Buddha]], generally said to be seven days afterwards, and came to [[life]] again in a [[Buddhist]] [[heaven]], a pattern that is said to be followed in the [[births]] of all [[Buddhas]]. [[Thus]] [[Maya]] did not raise her son who was instead raised by his maternal aunt [[Mahapajapati Gotami]]. [[Maya]] would, however, on occasion descend from [[Heaven]] to give advice to her son. |
{{Wiki|Iconography}} | {{Wiki|Iconography}} | ||
[[File:Buddha3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Buddha3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | In [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} and art [[Queen Maya]] is portrayed as a [[beautiful]] fecund woman in the prime of [[life]]. | + | In [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} and [[art]] [[Queen Maya]] is portrayed as a [[beautiful]] fecund woman in the prime of [[life]]. |
− | Her beauty sparkles like a nugget of [[pure]] {{Wiki|gold}}. She has perfumed curls like the large black bee. [[Eyes]] like [[lotus]] petals, teeth like stars in the [[heavens]]. | + | Her [[beauty]] sparkles like a nugget of [[pure]] {{Wiki|gold}}. She has perfumed curls like the large black bee. [[Eyes]] like [[lotus]] petals, {{Wiki|teeth}} like {{Wiki|stars}} in the [[heavens]]. |
From the [[Lalitisvara Sutra]] | From the [[Lalitisvara Sutra]] | ||
− | Although sometimes shown in other scenes from her [[life]], such as having a [[dream]] foretelling her pregnancy with [[Gautama Buddha]] or with her husband {{Wiki|King}} [[Suddhodana]] seeking {{Wiki|prophecies}} about their son's [[life]], shortly after his [[birth]], she is most often depicted whilst giving [[birth]] to [[Gautama]], an event that is generally accepted to have taken place in [[Lumbini]] in modern day [[Nepal]]. [[Maya]] is usually shown giving [[birth]] [[standing]] under a [[tree]] and reaching overhead to hold onto a branch for support. [[Buddhist]] [[scholar]] Miranda Shaw, states that [[Queen Maya]]'s depiction in the nativity scene follows a pattern established in earlier [[Buddhist]] depictions of the [[tree]] [[spirits]] known as [[yaksini]]. | + | Although sometimes shown in other scenes from her [[life]], such as having a [[dream]] [[foretelling]] her pregnancy with [[Gautama Buddha]] or with her husband {{Wiki|King}} [[Suddhodana]] seeking {{Wiki|prophecies}} about their son's [[life]], shortly after his [[birth]], she is most often depicted whilst giving [[birth]] to [[Gautama]], an event that is generally accepted to have taken place in [[Lumbini]] in {{Wiki|modern}} day [[Nepal]]. [[Maya]] is usually shown giving [[birth]] [[standing]] under a [[tree]] and reaching overhead to hold onto a branch for support. [[Buddhist]] [[scholar]] [[Miranda Shaw]], states that [[Queen Maya]]'s depiction in the nativity scene follows a pattern established in earlier [[Buddhist]] depictions of the [[tree]] [[spirits]] known as [[yaksini]]. |
[[Life]] of [[Maya]] | [[Life]] of [[Maya]] | ||
[[File:Mahaprajapatid020.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Mahaprajapatid020.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | [[Māyā]] married {{Wiki|King}} [[Śuddhodana]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Suddhodana]]), the ruler of the [[Śākya]] {{Wiki|clan}} of [[Kapilvastu]]. She was the daughter of {{Wiki|King}} [[Śuddhodhana]]'s uncle and therefore his cousin; her father was [[king]] of [[Devadaha]]. | + | [[Māyā]] [[married]] {{Wiki|King}} [[Śuddhodana]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Suddhodana]]), the [[ruler]] of the [[Śākya]] {{Wiki|clan}} of [[Kapilvastu]]. She was the daughter of {{Wiki|King}} [[Śuddhodhana]]'s uncle and therefore his cousin; her father was [[king]] of [[Devadaha]]. |
− | [[Māyā]] and {{Wiki|King}} [[Suddhodhana]] did not have children for twenty years into their [[marriage]]. According to legend, one [[full moon]] night, [[sleeping]] in the palace, the {{Wiki|queen}} had a vivid [[dream]]. She felt herself [[being]] carried away by four [[devas]] ([[spirits]]) to Lake {{Wiki|Anotatta}} in the [[Himalayas]]. After bathing her in the lake, the [[devas]] clothed her in [[heavenly]] cloths, anointed her with [[perfumes]], and bedecked her with [[divine]] flowers. Soon after a white elephant, [[holding]] a white [[lotus flower]] in its trunk, appeared and went round her three times, entering her [[womb]] through her right side. Finally the elephant disappeared and the {{Wiki|queen}} awoke, [[knowing]] she had been delivered an important message, as the elephant is a [[symbol]] of greatness in [[India]]. | + | [[Māyā]] and {{Wiki|King}} [[Suddhodhana]] did not have children for twenty years into their [[marriage]]. According to legend, one [[full moon]] night, [[sleeping]] in the palace, the {{Wiki|queen}} had a vivid [[dream]]. She felt herself [[being]] carried away by four [[devas]] ([[spirits]]) to Lake {{Wiki|Anotatta}} in the [[Himalayas]]. After bathing her in the lake, the [[devas]] clothed her in [[heavenly]] cloths, anointed her with [[perfumes]], and bedecked her with [[divine]] [[flowers]]. Soon after a [[white elephant]], [[holding]] a white [[lotus flower]] in its trunk, appeared and went round her three times, entering her [[womb]] through her right side. Finally the [[elephant]] disappeared and the {{Wiki|queen}} awoke, [[knowing]] she had been delivered an important message, as the [[elephant]] is a [[symbol]] of greatness in [[India]]. |
− | According to [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]], the [[Buddha]]-to-be was residing as a [[bodhisattva]] in the [[Tuṣita]] [[heaven]], and decided to take the [[shape]] of a white elephant to be [[reborn]] on [[Earth]] for the last [[time]]. [[Māyā]] gave [[birth]] to [[Siddharta]] c. 563 BCE. The pregnancy lasted ten lunar months. Following custom, the {{Wiki|Queen}} returned to her own home for the [[birth]]. On the way, she stepped down from her palanquin to have a walk under the [[Sal]] [[tree]] ({{Wiki|Shorea robusta}}), often confused with the [[Ashoka]] [[tree]] ({{Wiki|Saraca asoca}}), in the [[beautiful]] [[flower]] garden of [[Lumbini]] Park, [[Lumbini]] Zone, [[Nepal]]. [[Maya]] [[Devi]] was [[delighted]] by the park and gave [[birth]] [[standing]] while [[holding]] onto a [[sal]] branch. Legend has it that {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Siddhārtha]] emerged from her right side. It was the eighth day of April. Some accounts say she gave him his first bath in the {{Wiki|Puskarini}} pond in [[Lumbini]] Zone. But legend has it that [[devas]] [[caused]] it to rain to wash the newborn babe. He was later named [[Siddhārtha]], "[[He who has accomplished his goals]]" or "[[The accomplished goal]]". | + | According to [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]], the [[Buddha]]-to-be was residing as a [[bodhisattva]] in the [[Tuṣita]] [[heaven]], and decided to take the [[shape]] of a [[white elephant]] to be [[reborn]] on [[Earth]] for the last [[time]]. [[Māyā]] gave [[birth]] to [[Siddharta]] c. 563 BCE. The pregnancy lasted ten [[lunar months]]. Following {{Wiki|custom}}, the {{Wiki|Queen}} returned to her [[own]] home for the [[birth]]. On the way, she stepped down from her palanquin to have a walk under the [[Sal]] [[tree]] ({{Wiki|Shorea robusta}}), often confused with the [[Ashoka]] [[tree]] ({{Wiki|Saraca asoca}}), in the [[beautiful]] [[flower]] [[garden]] of [[Lumbini]] Park, [[Lumbini]] Zone, [[Nepal]]. [[Maya]] [[Devi]] was [[delighted]] by the park and gave [[birth]] [[standing]] while [[holding]] onto a [[sal]] branch. Legend has it that {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Siddhārtha]] emerged from her right side. It was the eighth day of April. Some accounts say she gave him his first bath in the {{Wiki|Puskarini}} pond in [[Lumbini]] Zone. But legend has it that [[devas]] [[caused]] it to [[rain]] to wash the newborn babe. He was later named [[Siddhārtha]], "[[He who has accomplished his goals]]" or "[[The accomplished goal]]". |
− | [[Scholars]] generally agree that most [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} holds that [[Maya]] [[died]] seven days after the [[birth]] of [[Buddha]], and was then [[reborn]] in the [[Tavatimsa Heaven]], where the [[Buddha]] later preached the [[Abhidharma]] to her. Her sister [[Prajāpatī]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Pajāpatī]] or [[Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī]]) became the child's foster mother. | + | [[Scholars]] generally agree that most [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} holds that [[Maya]] [[died]] seven days after the [[birth]] of [[Buddha]], and was then [[reborn]] in the [[Tavatimsa Heaven]], where the [[Buddha]] later [[preached]] the [[Abhidharma]] to her. Her sister [[Prajāpatī]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Pajāpatī]] or [[Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī]]) became the child's foster mother. |
− | After [[Siddhartha]] had attained [[Enlightenment]] and become the [[Buddha]], he visited his mother in [[heaven]] for three months to pay respects and to teach the [[Dharma]]. | + | After [[Siddhartha]] had [[attained]] [[Enlightenment]] and become the [[Buddha]], he visited his mother in [[heaven]] for three months to pay respects and to teach the [[Dharma]]. |
− | Referring to the prophetic [[dream]] {{Wiki|Queen}} [[Maya]] had prior to conception, some versions of the [[life]] story of the [[Buddha]] say that he was conceived without sexual [[activity]]. This interpretation has led to parallels [[being]] drawn with the [[birth]] story of {{Wiki|Jesus}}. | + | Referring to the prophetic [[dream]] {{Wiki|Queen}} [[Maya]] had prior to {{Wiki|conception}}, some versions of the [[life]] story of the [[Buddha]] say that he was [[conceived]] without {{Wiki|sexual}} [[activity]]. This [[interpretation]] has led to parallels [[being]] drawn with the [[birth]] story of {{Wiki|Jesus}}. |
− | Z. P. Thundy has surveyed the similarities and differences between the [[birth]] stories of [[Buddha]] by [[Maya]] and {{Wiki|Jesus}} by Mary and notes that while there are similarities such as virgin [[birth]], there are also differences, e.g. that Mary outlives {{Wiki|Jesus}} after raising him, but [[Maya]] [[dies]] soon after the [[birth]] of [[Buddha]], as all mothers of [[Buddhas]] do in the [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]]. Thundy does not assert that there is any historical evidence that the {{Wiki|Christian}} [[birth]] stories of {{Wiki|Jesus}} were derived from the [[Buddhist]] [[traditions]], but suggests that "maybe it is [[time]] that {{Wiki|Christian}} [[scholars]] looked in the [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]] for the sources of the [[idea]]". | + | Z. P. Thundy has surveyed the similarities and differences between the [[birth]] stories of [[Buddha]] by [[Maya]] and {{Wiki|Jesus}} by Mary and notes that while there are similarities such as virgin [[birth]], there are also differences, e.g. that Mary outlives {{Wiki|Jesus}} after raising him, but [[Maya]] [[dies]] soon after the [[birth]] of [[Buddha]], as all mothers of [[Buddhas]] do in the [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]]. Thundy does not assert that there is any historical {{Wiki|evidence}} that the {{Wiki|Christian}} [[birth]] stories of {{Wiki|Jesus}} were derived from the [[Buddhist]] [[traditions]], but suggests that "maybe it is [[time]] that {{Wiki|Christian}} [[scholars]] looked in the [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]] for the sources of the [[idea]]". |
− | Other [[scholars]] have, however, rejected any [[influence]], e.g. Paula Fredriksen states that no serious [[scholarly]] work places {{Wiki|Jesus}} outside the backdrop of 1st century Palestinian {{Wiki|Judaism}}. Eddy and Boyd state that there is no evidence of a historical [[influence]] by outside sources on the authors of the New Testament, and most [[scholars]] agree that any such historical [[influence]] on {{Wiki|Christianity}} is entirely implausible given that first century [[monotheistic]] Galilean Jews would not have been open to what they would have seen as pagan stories. | + | Other [[scholars]] have, however, rejected any [[influence]], e.g. Paula Fredriksen states that no serious [[scholarly]] work places {{Wiki|Jesus}} outside the backdrop of 1st century Palestinian {{Wiki|Judaism}}. Eddy and Boyd [[state]] that there is no {{Wiki|evidence}} of a historical [[influence]] by outside sources on the authors of the {{Wiki|New Testament}}, and most [[scholars]] agree that any such historical [[influence]] on {{Wiki|{{Wiki|Christianity}}}} is entirely implausible given that first century [[monotheistic]] Galilean [[Jews]] would not have been open to what they would have seen as {{Wiki|pagan}} stories. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Guatama Buddha family]] | [[Category:Guatama Buddha family]] |
Latest revision as of 05:49, 9 February 2016
Queen Māyā of Sakya (Māyādevī) was the birth mother of Gautama Buddha, the sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded, and the sister of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, the first Buddhist nun ordained by the Buddha.
Māyā means "illusion" or "enchantment" in Sanskrit and Pāli. Māyā is also called Mahāmāyā ("Great Māyā") and Māyādevī ("Queen", literally deva (goddess) Māyā). In Tibetan she is called Gyutrulma and in Japanese is known as Maya-fujin (摩耶夫人).
In Buddhist tradition Maya died soon after the birth of Buddha, generally said to be seven days afterwards, and came to life again in a Buddhist heaven, a pattern that is said to be followed in the births of all Buddhas. Thus Maya did not raise her son who was instead raised by his maternal aunt Mahapajapati Gotami. Maya would, however, on occasion descend from Heaven to give advice to her son.
Iconography
In Buddhist literature and art Queen Maya is portrayed as a beautiful fecund woman in the prime of life.
Her beauty sparkles like a nugget of pure gold. She has perfumed curls like the large black bee. Eyes like lotus petals, teeth like stars in the heavens.
From the Lalitisvara Sutra
Although sometimes shown in other scenes from her life, such as having a dream foretelling her pregnancy with Gautama Buddha or with her husband King Suddhodana seeking prophecies about their son's life, shortly after his birth, she is most often depicted whilst giving birth to Gautama, an event that is generally accepted to have taken place in Lumbini in modern day Nepal. Maya is usually shown giving birth standing under a tree and reaching overhead to hold onto a branch for support. Buddhist scholar Miranda Shaw, states that Queen Maya's depiction in the nativity scene follows a pattern established in earlier Buddhist depictions of the tree spirits known as yaksini.
Life of Maya
Māyā married King Śuddhodana (Pāli: Suddhodana), the ruler of the Śākya clan of Kapilvastu. She was the daughter of King Śuddhodhana's uncle and therefore his cousin; her father was king of Devadaha.
Māyā and King Suddhodhana did not have children for twenty years into their marriage. According to legend, one full moon night, sleeping in the palace, the queen had a vivid dream. She felt herself being carried away by four devas (spirits) to Lake Anotatta in the Himalayas. After bathing her in the lake, the devas clothed her in heavenly cloths, anointed her with perfumes, and bedecked her with divine flowers. Soon after a white elephant, holding a white lotus flower in its trunk, appeared and went round her three times, entering her womb through her right side. Finally the elephant disappeared and the queen awoke, knowing she had been delivered an important message, as the elephant is a symbol of greatness in India.
According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha-to-be was residing as a bodhisattva in the Tuṣita heaven, and decided to take the shape of a white elephant to be reborn on Earth for the last time. Māyā gave birth to Siddharta c. 563 BCE. The pregnancy lasted ten lunar months. Following custom, the Queen returned to her own home for the birth. On the way, she stepped down from her palanquin to have a walk under the Sal tree (Shorea robusta), often confused with the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca), in the beautiful flower garden of Lumbini Park, Lumbini Zone, Nepal. Maya Devi was delighted by the park and gave birth standing while holding onto a sal branch. Legend has it that Prince Siddhārtha emerged from her right side. It was the eighth day of April. Some accounts say she gave him his first bath in the Puskarini pond in Lumbini Zone. But legend has it that devas caused it to rain to wash the newborn babe. He was later named Siddhārtha, "He who has accomplished his goals" or "The accomplished goal".
Scholars generally agree that most Buddhist literature holds that Maya died seven days after the birth of Buddha, and was then reborn in the Tavatimsa Heaven, where the Buddha later preached the Abhidharma to her. Her sister Prajāpatī (Pāli: Pajāpatī or Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī) became the child's foster mother.
After Siddhartha had attained Enlightenment and become the Buddha, he visited his mother in heaven for three months to pay respects and to teach the Dharma.
Referring to the prophetic dream Queen Maya had prior to conception, some versions of the life story of the Buddha say that he was conceived without sexual activity. This interpretation has led to parallels being drawn with the birth story of Jesus.
Z. P. Thundy has surveyed the similarities and differences between the birth stories of Buddha by Maya and Jesus by Mary and notes that while there are similarities such as virgin birth, there are also differences, e.g. that Mary outlives Jesus after raising him, but Maya dies soon after the birth of Buddha, as all mothers of Buddhas do in the Buddhist tradition. Thundy does not assert that there is any historical evidence that the Christian birth stories of Jesus were derived from the Buddhist traditions, but suggests that "maybe it is time that Christian scholars looked in the Buddhist tradition for the sources of the idea".
Other scholars have, however, rejected any influence, e.g. Paula Fredriksen states that no serious scholarly work places Jesus outside the backdrop of 1st century Palestinian Judaism. Eddy and Boyd state that there is no evidence of a historical influence by outside sources on the authors of the New Testament, and most scholars agree that any such historical influence on [[Wikipedia:Christianity|Christianity]] is entirely implausible given that first century monotheistic Galilean Jews would not have been open to what they would have seen as pagan stories.