Difference between revisions of "Asura"
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[[Asura]] ([[Sanskrit]], [[Pāli]]: असुर; [[Tibetan]]: [[Lha-ma-yin]]; [[Japanese]]: 阿修羅 [[Ashura]]; [[Korean]]: 아수라; {{Wiki|Chinese}}: 阿修罗; pinyin: [[Āxiūluō]], [[Vietnamese]]: [[A tu la]]) in [[Buddhism]] is the [[name]] of the lowest ranks of the [[deities]] or [[demigods]] of the [[Kāmadhātu]]. They are described as having three heads with three faces and four to six arms. | [[Asura]] ([[Sanskrit]], [[Pāli]]: असुर; [[Tibetan]]: [[Lha-ma-yin]]; [[Japanese]]: 阿修羅 [[Ashura]]; [[Korean]]: 아수라; {{Wiki|Chinese}}: 阿修罗; pinyin: [[Āxiūluō]], [[Vietnamese]]: [[A tu la]]) in [[Buddhism]] is the [[name]] of the lowest ranks of the [[deities]] or [[demigods]] of the [[Kāmadhātu]]. They are described as having three heads with three faces and four to six arms. | ||
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| + | [[asura]] | ||
| + | [[阿修羅]] (Skt, [[Pali]]; Jpn [[ashura]] ) | ||
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| + | A type of [[demon]] in {{Wiki|Indian mythology}}. Contentious and belligerent, [[asuras]] fight continually with the [[gods]]. [[Buddhist scriptures]] often regard [[asuras]] as enemies of the [[gods]], especially of [[Shakra]], or {{Wiki|Indra}}. [[Asuras]] are one of the eight kinds of {{Wiki|nonhuman}} [[beings]]. The [[world]] of [[asuras]] is counted as one of the six [[paths]], or the six lower states of [[existence]] among the [[Ten Worlds]]. | ||
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| + | See also; [[Ten Worlds]]. | ||
[[File:Asura_Dvarapala_Borobudur.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Asura_Dvarapala_Borobudur.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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==Origins and {{Wiki|etymology}}== | ==Origins and {{Wiki|etymology}}== | ||
| − | The [[Buddhist]] [[asuras]] are broadly derived, in general [[character]], from the wicked [[asuras]] of [[Hinduism]], but have acquired some very {{Wiki|distinctive}} [[myths]] which are only found in [[Buddhist texts]]. | + | The [[Buddhist]] [[asuras]] are broadly derived, in {{Wiki|general}} [[character]], from the wicked [[asuras]] of [[Hinduism]], but have acquired some very {{Wiki|distinctive}} [[myths]] which are only found in [[Buddhist texts]]. |
For the {{Wiki|etymology}} of [[asura]], see Aesir-Asura correspondence. | For the {{Wiki|etymology}} of [[asura]], see Aesir-Asura correspondence. | ||
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[[File:ASURA detail Kohfukuji.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:ASURA detail Kohfukuji.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | While all the [[gods]] of the [[Kāmadhātu]] are [[subject]] to the [[passions]] to some degree, the [[Asuras]] above all of them have become addicted to them, especially [[wrath]], {{Wiki|pride}}, boasting, and bellicosity. | + | While all the [[gods]] of the [[Kāmadhātu]] are [[subject]] to the [[passions]] to some {{Wiki|degree}}, the [[Asuras]] above all of them have become addicted to them, especially [[wrath]], {{Wiki|pride}}, boasting, and bellicosity. |
| − | Because of their [[passions]], [[rebirth]] as an [[Asura]] is considered to be one of the four [[unhappy]] [[births]] (together with [[rebirth]] as an [[animal]], a [[preta]], or a being in [[Naraka]]). The state of an [[Asura]] reflects the [[mental state]] of a [[human being]] obsessed with force and violence, always looking for an excuse to get into a fight, [[angry]] with everyone and unable to maintain [[calm]] or solve problems peacefully. | + | Because of their [[passions]], [[rebirth]] as an [[Asura]] is considered to be one of the four [[unhappy]] [[births]] (together with [[rebirth]] as an [[animal]], a [[preta]], or a {{Wiki|being}} in [[Naraka]]). The state of an [[Asura]] reflects the [[mental state]] of a [[human being]] obsessed with force and {{Wiki|violence}}, always looking for an excuse to get into a fight, [[angry]] with everyone and unable to maintain [[calm]] or solve problems peacefully. |
In terms of [[power]], [[Asuras]] rank above [[humans]] but below most of the other [[deities]]. They [[live]] in the area at the foot of [[Mount Sumeru]], at least partially in the sea that surrounds it. | In terms of [[power]], [[Asuras]] rank above [[humans]] but below most of the other [[deities]]. They [[live]] in the area at the foot of [[Mount Sumeru]], at least partially in the sea that surrounds it. | ||
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On the popular [[cosmic]] picture of the [[Bhavacakra]], the [[Asuras]] are sometimes shown as a sixth stage of [[existence]], and sometimes grouped together with the [[devas]]. The five-stage version was the original[citation needed], and the addition of the [[Asuras]] as the sixth was done in [[Tibet]] on the authority of [[Je Tsongkhapa]]. | On the popular [[cosmic]] picture of the [[Bhavacakra]], the [[Asuras]] are sometimes shown as a sixth stage of [[existence]], and sometimes grouped together with the [[devas]]. The five-stage version was the original[citation needed], and the addition of the [[Asuras]] as the sixth was done in [[Tibet]] on the authority of [[Je Tsongkhapa]]. | ||
| − | The leaders of the [[Asuras]] are called Asurendra ([[Pāli]]: Asurinda) "Asura-lord". There are several of these, as the [[Asuras]] are broken into different tribes or factions. Among them are the bow-wielding Dānaveghasa [[Asuras]], and the terrible-faced Kālakañjakas. The principal leaders are [[Vemacitrin]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Vepacitti]]), [[Rāhu]] (also called Veroca or Verocana), and Pahārāda. | + | The leaders of the [[Asuras]] are called Asurendra ([[Pāli]]: [[Asurinda]]) "Asura-lord". There are several of these, as the [[Asuras]] are broken into different tribes or factions. Among them are the bow-wielding Dānaveghasa [[Asuras]], and the terrible-faced [[Kālakañjakas]]. The principal leaders are [[Vemacitrin]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Vepacitti]]), [[Rāhu]] (also called Veroca or [[Verocana]]), and [[Pahārāda]]. |
==[[Myths]] of the [[Asuras]]== | ==[[Myths]] of the [[Asuras]]== | ||
| − | The [[Asuras]] formerly lived in the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[world]], on the peak of [[Mount Sumeru]], with the other [[gods]] of that [[world]]. When [[Śakra]] became the ruler of that [[world]], the [[Asuras]] celebrated by drinking a lot of Gandapāna wine, a [[liquor]] so strong that [[Śakra]] forbade the other [[gods]] to drink it. Weakened by their drunkenness, the [[Asuras]] could not resist when [[Śakra]] had the whole lot of them thrown over the edge of [[Trāyastriṃśa]] into what would become the Asura-world at the base of [[Sumeru]]. A [[tree]] grows there called Cittapātali; when the [[Asuras]] saw it blossom, they saw that it was different from the Pāricchattaka ([[Sanskrit]]: Pāriyātra) [[tree]] which had grown in their old home, and they knew that they were dispossessed. | + | The [[Asuras]] formerly lived in the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[world]], on the peak of [[Mount Sumeru]], with the other [[gods]] of that [[world]]. When [[Śakra]] became the ruler of that [[world]], the [[Asuras]] celebrated by drinking a lot of [[Gandapāna]] wine, a [[liquor]] so strong that [[Śakra]] forbade the other [[gods]] to drink it. Weakened by their drunkenness, the [[Asuras]] could not resist when [[Śakra]] had the whole lot of them thrown over the edge of [[Trāyastriṃśa]] into what would become the Asura-world at the base of [[Sumeru]]. A [[tree]] grows there called Cittapātali; when the [[Asuras]] saw it blossom, they saw that it was different from the [[Pāricchattaka]] ([[Sanskrit]]: Pāriyātra) [[tree]] which had grown in their old home, and they knew that they were dispossessed. |
They now [[meditated]] on [[war]]. In armor and [[weapons]], they climbed up the steep slopes of [[Sumeru]] "like ants". [[Śakra]] set out to meet them, but was forced to [[retreat]] because of their numbers. Passing through the {{Wiki|forest}} where the [[garuḍas]] [[live]] on his flying chariot, [[Śakra]] saw that his passage was destroying the nests of the [[garuḍas]] and ordered his charioteer [[Mātali]] to turn back. When the pursuing [[Asuras]] saw [[Śakra]] turn about, they felt certain that he must be coming back with an even larger {{Wiki|army}}, and they fled, ceding all the ground they had gained. | They now [[meditated]] on [[war]]. In armor and [[weapons]], they climbed up the steep slopes of [[Sumeru]] "like ants". [[Śakra]] set out to meet them, but was forced to [[retreat]] because of their numbers. Passing through the {{Wiki|forest}} where the [[garuḍas]] [[live]] on his flying chariot, [[Śakra]] saw that his passage was destroying the nests of the [[garuḍas]] and ordered his charioteer [[Mātali]] to turn back. When the pursuing [[Asuras]] saw [[Śakra]] turn about, they felt certain that he must be coming back with an even larger {{Wiki|army}}, and they fled, ceding all the ground they had gained. | ||
| − | Despite their many wars, there was eventually a partial [[concord]] between the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[gods]] and the [[Asuras]]. This came about because [[Śakra]] fell in [[love]] with Sujā, daughter of the [[Asura]] chief [[Vemacitrin]]. [[Vemacitrin]] had given Sujā the right to choose her own husband at an assembly of the [[Asuras]], and she chose [[Śakra]], who had attended disguised as an aged [[Asura]]. [[Vemacitrin]] thus became Śakra's father-in-law. | + | Despite their many wars, there was eventually a partial [[concord]] between the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[gods]] and the [[Asuras]]. This came about because [[Śakra]] fell in [[love]] with [[Sujā]], daughter of the [[Asura]] chief [[Vemacitrin]]. [[Vemacitrin]] had given [[Sujā]] the right to choose her own husband at an assembly of the [[Asuras]], and she chose [[Śakra]], who had attended disguised as an aged [[Asura]]. [[Vemacitrin]] thus became Śakra's father-in-law. |
| + | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Asuras]] | [[Category:Asuras]] | ||
[[Category:Pali terminology]] | [[Category:Pali terminology]] | ||
Revision as of 09:24, 1 October 2013
Asura (Sanskrit, Pāli: असुर; Tibetan: Lha-ma-yin; Japanese: 阿修羅 Ashura; Korean: 아수라; Chinese: 阿修罗; pinyin: Āxiūluō, Vietnamese: A tu la) in Buddhism is the name of the lowest ranks of the deities or demigods of the Kāmadhātu. They are described as having three heads with three faces and four to six arms.
asura
阿修羅 (Skt, Pali; Jpn ashura )
A type of demon in Indian mythology. Contentious and belligerent, asuras fight continually with the gods. Buddhist scriptures often regard asuras as enemies of the gods, especially of Shakra, or Indra. Asuras are one of the eight kinds of nonhuman beings. The world of asuras is counted as one of the six paths, or the six lower states of existence among the Ten Worlds.
See also; Ten Worlds.
==Origins and etymology==
The Buddhist asuras are broadly derived, in general character, from the wicked asuras of Hinduism, but have acquired some very distinctive myths which are only found in Buddhist texts.
For the etymology of asura, see Aesir-Asura correspondence.
In its Buddhist context, the word is sometimes translated "Titan" (suggesting the wars of the Greek gods and Titans), "demigod", or "antigod".
==Character of the Asuras==
While all the gods of the Kāmadhātu are subject to the passions to some degree, the Asuras above all of them have become addicted to them, especially wrath, pride, boasting, and bellicosity.
Because of their passions, rebirth as an Asura is considered to be one of the four unhappy births (together with rebirth as an animal, a preta, or a being in Naraka). The state of an Asura reflects the mental state of a human being obsessed with force and violence, always looking for an excuse to get into a fight, angry with everyone and unable to maintain calm or solve problems peacefully.
In terms of power, Asuras rank above humans but below most of the other deities. They live in the area at the foot of Mount Sumeru, at least partially in the sea that surrounds it.
On the popular cosmic picture of the Bhavacakra, the Asuras are sometimes shown as a sixth stage of existence, and sometimes grouped together with the devas. The five-stage version was the original[citation needed], and the addition of the Asuras as the sixth was done in Tibet on the authority of Je Tsongkhapa.
The leaders of the Asuras are called Asurendra (Pāli: Asurinda) "Asura-lord". There are several of these, as the Asuras are broken into different tribes or factions. Among them are the bow-wielding Dānaveghasa Asuras, and the terrible-faced Kālakañjakas. The principal leaders are Vemacitrin (Pāli: Vepacitti), Rāhu (also called Veroca or Verocana), and Pahārāda.
==Myths of the Asuras==
The Asuras formerly lived in the Trāyastriṃśa world, on the peak of Mount Sumeru, with the other gods of that world. When Śakra became the ruler of that world, the Asuras celebrated by drinking a lot of Gandapāna wine, a liquor so strong that Śakra forbade the other gods to drink it. Weakened by their drunkenness, the Asuras could not resist when Śakra had the whole lot of them thrown over the edge of Trāyastriṃśa into what would become the Asura-world at the base of Sumeru. A tree grows there called Cittapātali; when the Asuras saw it blossom, they saw that it was different from the Pāricchattaka (Sanskrit: Pāriyātra) tree which had grown in their old home, and they knew that they were dispossessed.
They now meditated on war. In armor and weapons, they climbed up the steep slopes of Sumeru "like ants". Śakra set out to meet them, but was forced to retreat because of their numbers. Passing through the forest where the garuḍas live on his flying chariot, Śakra saw that his passage was destroying the nests of the garuḍas and ordered his charioteer Mātali to turn back. When the pursuing Asuras saw Śakra turn about, they felt certain that he must be coming back with an even larger army, and they fled, ceding all the ground they had gained.
Despite their many wars, there was eventually a partial concord between the Trāyastriṃśa gods and the Asuras. This came about because Śakra fell in love with Sujā, daughter of the Asura chief Vemacitrin. Vemacitrin had given Sujā the right to choose her own husband at an assembly of the Asuras, and she chose Śakra, who had attended disguised as an aged Asura. Vemacitrin thus became Śakra's father-in-law.
