An Analytical Study of Principle of Kind Reception (Patisanthãra) in Theravãda Buddhist Scriptures

Abstract

 In this research article, three objectives were purposely made: 1) to study the principle of kind reception in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the Dhamma principles relating to kind reception in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 3) to analyze the principle of kind reception in Theravada Buddhist scriptures. This research employed a documentary research methodology done by studying documents from Tipiṭaka, Commentaries, and related important Buddhist scriptures.

The findings show that 1) There are two types of kind reception (paṭisanthāra), namely: (1) Worldly kind reception (Āmissa-paṭisanthāra), and (2) Doctrinal kind reception (Dhamma-paṭisanthāra). On the one hand, worldly kind reception basically refers to the act of welcoming guests with materials consisting of humility, reverence, and worship with four necessities: three robes, alms food, shelter, and medicine including worship with offerings, flowers, and perfumes, on the other hand, doctrinal kind reception refers to welcoming by giving Dhamma or Dhamma discussion. 2) The Buddha friendly welcomed his disciples including Venerable Sāriputta, Mahā Moggallāna, Ānanda, and Anuruddha with doctrinal kind reception. Kind reception is obviously related to the principles in the Theravada Buddhism scriptures, that is, four kinds of Brahmavihāra, four kinds of saṅgahavatthu, and paricāka is charity. These are the principles concerning with worldly kind reception. As regards principles of five aggregates, six elements, including the earth element and consciousness element as the end, anupubbikathā, and the Four Noble Truths, they are the principles relating to the doctrinal kind reception. 3) The mentioned principle of kind reception in Theravada Buddhist scriptures can be analyzed by two types: (1) Principle of worldly kind reception: Saddhivihārika should treat the preceptor with respect by serving closely, preparing water for consumptions. When he was sick, Saddhivihārika would provide nursing care and service until he got recovered. Antevāsika should serve, respect and pay homage to the teacher. When he was sick, he should provide nursing care and service until he got recovered. Bhikkhu and bhikkhunī should practice the kind reception with the king by offering the desired shelter items. They should treat their relatives by giving them material things. They should help them when they are in trouble. Bhikkhu and bhikkhunī should practice the kind reception with the thieves by offering food, water, and residential shelters as they see appropriate, (2) Principle of doctrinal kind reception: Bhikkhu and bhikkhunī should speak and impart Dhamma to Buddhists who come to their residence and those who wish to listen to the Dhamma including helping them by giving advice to find solutions to problems based on the principles of the Buddha.