An Analysis of the Process of the Development of Right View in the Apaṇṇaka Sutta

Abstract

This research article had three objectives: 1) to study the structure and essential content of the Apaṇṇaka Sutta, 2) to study the concept of right view as it appears in the Apaṇṇaka Sutta, and 3) to analyze the process of the development of Right View in the Apaṇṇaka Sutta. This study employed a qualitative documentary research methodology. The data were collected from the Tipiṭaka in Thai (Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Edition), The Commentaries, as well as related academic documents and relevant research works. Data were analyzed through content analysis and document synthesis, and the findings were presented by means of analytical description. The research findings revealed that: 1) the study of the structure and essential content of the Apaṇṇaka Sutta presented Apaṇṇaka Dhamma as an infallible practical guideline, with the Blessed One proposing five pairs of conflicting views as the basis for consideration in order to resolve the doubts of the audience; 2) the study of the concept of Right View as it appears in the Apaṇṇaka Sutta demonstrated the role of Apaṇṇaka Dhamma as a criterion for evaluating conflicting views, with Paratoghosa and Yonisomanasikāra serving as essential supporting factors for the arising of Mundane Right view (Lokiya-sammā-diṭṭhi); and 3) the analysis of the process of developing Right View in the Apaṇṇaka Sutta revealed a sequential development from the abandonment of Wrong View, through the establishment of Mundane Right View, and subsequently to the development toward Supramundane Right View (Lokuttara-sammā-diṭṭhi) through the cultivation of the Four Jhānas and the three Vijjās, culminating in the destruction of the Āsavas. The new body of knowledge generated from this research was the "Apaṇṇaka Right View Development Model (ARVD Model)", which demonstrated that Apaṇṇaka Dhamma served as a procedural mechanism for the development of Right View. This model could be applied as a rational framework for evaluating conflicting views in contemporary society and served as a foundation for the cultivation of morality and wisdom in accordance with the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.