An Analysis of Past Tenses found in the Dhammapada of “Treasury of Truth” Translated by Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero

Orawan  Maneeratanachot; Phradhammavachirodom; Sakchai  Posai

Authors

Orawan Maneeratanachot Faculty of Humanities, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand
Phradhammavachirodom Faculty of Humanities, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand
Sakchai Posai Faculty of Humanities, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand

Keywords:

Past tenses, Syntactic Analysis, Dhammapada Buddhist Stories, Yamaka Vagga, Frequency analysis

Abstract

This research investigates the use of past tense constructions in The Dhammapada translated by Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero, with a focus on the Yamaka Vagga (Twin Verses) section. The research was two objectives: 1). to investigate the types and forms of past tense found in “The Dhammapada” by Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero 2). to find out the frequency of past forms that occurred in “The Dhammapada” by Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero. A syntactic and frequency analysis was conducted across fourthteen narratives within the Yamaka Vagga, which are rich in both grammatical structures and doctrinal content. The data were collected and used to apply for analysis designed by the researcher under qualitative method from the Dhammapada of stories translated by Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero. The data analysis led to a comprehensive understanding of the method of the study based on the critical analysis of syntactic knowledge. The findings reveal that five principal types of past tense constructions are employed: past simple, past perfect, past continuous, passive and causative structures, and complex/compound sentences. Among these, the past simple tense is the most frequently used, primarily to narrate completed events and to convey moral lessons in a clear, direct manner. Past perfect tense constructions are used to provide background context and establish temporal sequencing, while past continuous tense appears less frequently but contributes descriptive detail. Passive and causative forms highlight actions received or caused, reflecting Buddhist notions of causality and karma. Complex and compound sentences further enrich the narrative, aligning with oral storytelling traditions. The frequency analysis identified 34 distinct past tense verbs, with the most frequent being had, was, came, told, saw, and gave. These verbs cluster around three thematic domains: communication (e.g., told, asked), movement (e.g., came, went), and moral action (e.g., gave, attained). Such repetition strengthens cohesion across stories and underscores central Buddhist teachings of generosity, mindfulness, and karmic consequence. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the linguistic style of the Yamaka Vagga relies predominantly on past simple verbs to ensure narrative clarity, supported by past perfect, continuous, and passive forms for temporal precision and doctrinal emphasis. The findings affirm that past tense constructions serve both narrative and doctrinal functions, effectively linking language use with the transmission of Buddhist values.

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