An Analysis of Buddha’s Method in Answering the Sakka’s Questions in the Sakkapañhasutta

Abstract

This objectives of this research article are 1) to study the structure and essence of Sakkapañhasutta; 2) to study the Buddha's method of answering questions in the Tipiṭaka; and 3) to study and analyze the Buddha’s method of answering the questions of Sakka deva in Sakkapañhasutta. It is a documentary research which is done by studying information from the Tipiṭaka and various related documents. Moreover, the research consists of a summary, analysis, compilation, and descriptive narrative.

The final result indicated that 1) Sakkapañhasutta regards Sakka’s question as asking the Buddha. It is a rhetorical narrative in the form of a question-answer, consisting of two bhanavāras. The first is the episode where Pañcasikha plays a song and when Sakka meets. The latter is the episode when the Sakka asked questions and when the Buddha asked the Sakka; 2) the Buddha’s method of answering can be divided into four parts: 1. Questions that are answered in a straightforward manner. 2. Questions that are asked clearly and then answered 3. Questions that should be answered separately. 4. Questions that should not be answered due to their usefulness. Further, in the Buddha's teaching style, he had objectives, methods, strategies, formats, lesson plans, and communication in teaching. Teaching is an important part of Buddha’s routine as well; and 3) the Buddha’s method for answering questions in the Sakkapaṇhasutta is because he knew about the Dhamma practice and the results of the Dhamma practice of Gopaka. Therefore, he allowed Gopaka to ask the questions. As a result of listening to the prophecy of problems at that time, the Sakka and his 80,000 angel followers attained the Eyes of the Dhamma, achieved as a single monk, and relinquished being an old Sakka to becoming a young Sakka.