Three Kinds of Wisdom

Abstract

Three kinds of wisdom known as Cintāmaya-paññā (wisdom produced by thinking),
Sutamaya-paññā (wisdom produced by learning), and Bhāvanāmaya-paññā (wisdom
produced by mental development) found in the Vibhaṅga-pāḷi and the Pāthikavagga-pāḷi.
encompass all kinds of wisdom. These are mainly aimed at the future Buddha, future
Paccekabuddha and disciples in order of person. There exists an interrelationship between these
three kinds of understanding. When Cintāmaya-paññā and Sutamaya-paññā are directed
towards Bhāvanāmaya-paññā, their strength is heightened, and the meditator becomes
liberated from the cycle of suffering. The Literatures reveal that only the future Buddha
(Bodhisatta) and future Paccekabuddha (Paccekabodisatta) can attain cintāmaya-paññā on
Vipassanā-paññā. However, there is a notable discrepancy in the Nettippakaraṇa Pāḷi and
Peṭakopadesa Pāḷi, where the sequence is expressed as sutamaya-paññā, cintāmaya-paññā,
bhāvanāmaya-paññā which are mainly for disciples (sāvaka). It is expounded on how three
types of individuals (Puggala) are divided generally depending on these wisdoms among the
disciples (sāvaka).
Some scholars debate on the origin of the Nettippakaraṇa Pāḷi and Peṭakopadesa Pāḷi,
suggesting that it may have been incorporated into Theravāda during the Fifth Buddhist Council.
In Bhikkhu Anālayo’s article, it is stated as follows: “Thanks to the input received from outside
the Theravāda tradition, specifically through the Peṭakopadesa Pāḷi and the Nettippakaraṇa
Pāḷi, the more convincing sequence of the three types of wisdom was able to assert itself within
the same Theravāda tradition.” However, the Theravāda literature dates references to
Venerable Mahākaccāyana teaching it back during the Buddha’s time. The Compendium of
Nyaung Yan Vinicchaya asserts that it consists of the Pāḷi teachings by Venerable
Mahākaccāyana, approved by the Buddha. Despite debates, it is valued for diverse approaches
to comprehend the Buddha’s teachings.