The direct path- an exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta
Date
2000-06
Authors
Analayo, Ven
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Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
"The direct path - an exploration of the Satipatthina Sutta" submitted by ven Andlayo (T.P. Steffens) to the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya for a degree of Doctor of philosophy
The present paper proposes an exploration of the Satipatthina Sutta within its early Buddhist canonical and philosophical context. Foremost in this exploration is the understanding to be gained by evaluating each passage from the Satipatthana Sutta in the light of relevant discourses recorded elsewhere in the Suttapitaka of the Pali canon. At the same time, whenever opportune, certain key terms are further explored within their historical context and in the light of early Buddhist philosophy as described by a va- riety of academic articles and monographies. In addition to this, selected material from the A bhidham ma and the commentarial traditions has been considered, together with the practical approaches to satipatihina described by a variety of modern-day meditation teachers.
The first half of this thesis examines general aspects of satipatthdna contempla- tion. This is followed by an exploration of the individual satipatthana meditations. In addi- tion to investigating key terms and the various meditations of the discourse itself, the fol- lowing issues are discussed in this thesis: comparison of the Pali discourse with Sanskrit and Chinese versions; significance of the term Nibbana’; role of effort; early Buddhist approach to knowledge; role of samadhi in relation to the development of insight; paticca sam uppada; early Buddhist analysis of ditthi; importance of joy for meditation; theory of karma; anatta; early Buddhist analysis of the perceptual process; gradual and sudden as- pects of realisation. In the conclusion central aspects of satipatthina are set into the gen- eral context of the Pali canon. The research outlook examines some features of the commentarial exegesis and of the Zen traditions, in the hope of stimulating further re- search.
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Keywords
Buddhism