Dependent Origination (Paticcasamuppada) – The Universal Doctrine

Main Article Content

Ven. Weliwita Soratha Thera

Abstract

Evidence can be found that Indian intellects were engaged in intense efforts to find
out what is the real nature and the ultimate truth about the world and living creatures. The
Buddha was born in such a situation. According to Pali canon texts, the contemporary
intellects who engaged in the search for truth were of two types called Ascetic and Brahmins.
Brahmajāla Sutta in Dhīghanikaya states that there were 62 heretics among them (D.N.,
Brahmajāla Sutta). It is said that they were engaged in exploring the facts about living creatures
and the world through Ātappamanvāya (making attempts), Padhānamanvāya (taking effort),
Anuyogamanvāya (repeatedly taking effort), and Sammā Manasikāramanvāya (memorizing
well).
The Karma Marga or the results of past actions with veneration and rituals, which was
prominent during the Vedic Brahmin eras, began to subdue in the forestry Upanishad era. The
path to knowledge was highlighted during these later eras. Accordingly, people searched for
the truth through debate and arguments (Saññaṃ ca diṭṭhiṃ ca ye agga hesuṃ – te
ghaṭṭhayantā vicaranti loke) (Suttanipata, 1962:75). Some took to paths of practicing yoga and
meditation. The Buddhism points out seeing the reality (Diṭṭhim ca anupagamma) (Metta
Sutta). without adhering to any of these views. (Dassanena sampanno) (Metta Sutta). The
Buddha has stated that all the aforesaid viewpoints fall into two main extremes and are
dualistic, and that he does not follow these extremes and preaches the Dhamma in
moderation.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ven. Weliwita Soratha Thera. (2024). Dependent Origination (Paticcasamuppada) – The Universal Doctrine. Buddhism in Mekong Region Journal, 7(2), 117–124. retrieved from https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/bmrj/article/view/280473
Section
Academic Article

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