Significance of Ekashringa
In Mahayana tradition, Ekashringa is a significant figure with two key interpretations. Firstly, he is depicted as a hermit who was once a reincarnation of the Buddha but succumbed to worldly temptations from a courtesan, losing his spiritual powers. Secondly, Ekashringa is identified as the son of the seer Kashyapa, who was nurtured by a doe in the hermitage and grew to play an important role in the narrative.
Synonyms: Unicorn
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Buddhist concept of 'Ekashringa'
Ekashringa in Buddhism represents both the son of the seer Kashyapa, nurtured by a doe, and a hermit who lost Buddha-like abilities due to earthly temptations, illustrating themes of innocence and the struggle against desire.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A hermit character in a story, previously a reincarnation of the Buddha, who lost his abilities due to worldly temptations from a courtesan.[1]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The son of the seer Kashyapa who was raised by a doe in the hermitage and later became a key figure in the narrative.[2]