The relation of pajanati to mind and personality development in early Buddhism: a textual study of Sutta Pitaka
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Date
2004-07
Authors
Seong, Bhikkuni Hwan
Journal Title
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Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
This thesis examines early Pali texts in order to bring out what they say on ‘The development of systematic understanding (pajdndati).’ The understanding-capacity, panna is developed by an exercise of ‘systematic understanding,’ pajanati, development of which is much related to the mind and personality development. This study of the systematic understanding is concerned with “wholesome-mentalities’ (nibbida, viraga, nirodha, vimutti) and ‘wholesome methods’ (principally, 37 bodhipakkhiyadhammas) side by side. Whenever necessary the key terms were examined, placing them in their proper context paying more importance to their functional usage than to mere etymological meanings. Chapter I is devoted to an examination of various patterns of pajanati. which are summarized into four patterns, i.e. the formula of four ariyasaccas. Chapter Il shows ‘yathabhitam pajanati,, and yathabhitam sammappafnaya passati, that are truthful understanding and proper consideration, based on the practice of systematic understanding of dhamma as shown by the Buddha. Chapters III and IV explain the four ariyasaccas dealing with paticcasamuppdda, sammdditthi, ariva-atthangika-magga, and sofapanna in a new light. Chapter V investigates the samadhic mental states, and the six abhififids that are necessarily related to pajadnati and sammdsamadhi. Chapter V1 examines what complete understanding (parijandati) is. This involves a discussion of different levels of wholesome methods, the superior methods, samatha-vipassand, different modes of fama and vimutti. Chapter VII endeavours to explore ‘the process of sense perception’ that provides a basis for the development of pajdndti-capacity, and to understand the papafica type thinking processes that are revolving around the atta- notion due to avijjad and tanhd. Finally, Chapter VIII delineates two types of sati found in the different sets of wholesome methods, and discusses the process of sati- development in the light of three main sati-suttas i.e. (Maha)satipatthana- sutta, Anapanasati-sutta, and Kayagatasati-sutta.