Saṃbhāra
saṃbhāra (T. tshogs ཚོགས; C. ziliang 資糧). Translated as "accumulation", "equipment", "preparation", "provisions," etc.[1][2] This term is generally used in reference to qualities that must be developed in order to make progress on the spiritual path.
For example, the path of accumulation (saṃbhāra-mārga) is the first of the five paths.
The path of accumulation for the sravakayana emphasizes three accumulations of: ethics, merit, and concentration.[1]
The Mahayana tradition, which describes the path of the bodhisattva, emphasizes two accumulations (saṃbhāra-dvaya):
- accumulation of merit (puṇya-saṃbhāra)
- accumulation of wisdom (jñāna-saṃbhāra)
In Buddhist tantra, a "field of accumulation" (T. tshogs zhing; Skt. saṃbhāra-kṣetra) refers to a visualized assembly of buddhas and bodhisattvas, and so on, that becomes the focus of one's practice, and through which one can gather the accumulations of merit and wisdom.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Tibetan term "tshogs" is commonly used to refer to the feast offering practice known as "tshogs kyi 'khor lo" (Skt. gaṇacakra; literally, "wheel of accumulation/gathering"). This practice is a skillful means for the accumulation of merit and wisdom.
The practice of accumulation (saṃbhāra) is one of the ten points that define the knowledge of all aspects, according to the Abhisamayālaṃkāra.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. saṃbhāra.
- ↑
資糧, Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (to sign in, see DDB sign-in)
Sources
Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University
