A Study of Vicikicchā in Theravāda Buddhism
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Abstract
This research article is about a study of Vicikicchā in Theravāda Buddhism.
Specifi cally, it was to study Vicikicchā as a factor of five Hindrances and a method for
overcoming them systematically. It was for achieving knowledge and understanding about
Vicikicchā and clear up some doubts about the subject.
This study focuses on skepticism about Vicikicchā on eight topics: the Buddha, the
teaching of Dhamma, the society of Sangha, the training, the past, the future, the past, and the
future, and the law of dependent origination. The objects of doubt can be the Triple Gems
(Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṁgha), the discipline, Kamma, or the law of dependent origination.
All involve the Buddha’s methods of liberation. Factors of Vicikicchā are an unanalytical reflection
(Ayonisomanasikāra), ignorance (Avijja), and false view on the Dhamma (Micchādiṭṭhi). These
factors make people uncertain about following the Buddha’s teaching, that is, Vicikicchā are
the obstacles to Enlightenment.
General doubts can cause problems to a person both at the spiritual level and at a
physical level. In society they can lead people to suspect each other and try to break off
relationships with other people. It can be considered that Vicikicchā is unwholesome doubts,
which are different from philosophical doubts. Philosophical doubts concern the search for
knowledge or theory. A primary cause of Vicikicchā is the opportunity to own self. If
you want peace in your life it is important to try to live without doubts among friends and
relations. A stream-enterer can have general doubts but cannot have Vicikicchā anymore.
When beings reach the final emancipation by getting to be an Arahanta they will have no
doubts like Vicikicchā at all.
Article Details
Views and opinions expressed in the articles published by The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (JIABU), are of responsibility by such authors but not the editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.
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