An Analytical Study of Buddhakāravata in the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta

Abstract

Abstract

            This research entitled “An Analytical Study of Buddhakāravatā in the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta” aimed to achieve three objectives: (1) to study the structure and essential contents of the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta, (2) to study the principle of Buddhakāravatā appearing in the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta, and (3) to analyze the principle of Buddhakāravatā in the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta. This study was conducted through documentary research based on the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, and related academic documents.

            The findings revealed that the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta is a discourse in the Majjhima Nikāya presented in the form of dialogue concerning the causes of reverence toward a spiritual teacher. Its contents cover the criticism of frivolous talk (tiracchānakathā), the comparison of contemporary religious teachers, and the explanation of the qualities leading to reverence, especially the five qualities such as contentment, together with higher morality, knowledge and vision, higher wisdom, the explanation of the Four Noble Truths, and the path leading to liberation, including the Noble Eightfold Path.

            The principle of Buddhakāravatā appearing in the Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta was found to be a virtue encompassing both external and internal dimensions. It arises from direct realization of the Buddha’s conduct, such as fewness of wishes, contentment, and seclusion, together with inner virtues concerning morality, wisdom, and the Noble Truths. These qualities give rise to faith grounded in reason. From an analytical perspective, Buddhakāravatā is an integrated concept connecting wisdom, faith, and practice. It consists of three dimensions and can be synthesized into four levels: foundational level, faith-generating level, verification level, and confirmation level. These reflect a continuous cyclical process of mental development. Therefore, Buddhakāravatā is a systematic form of faith supported by reason, verification, and empirical realization, leading to mental cultivation and liberation according to Buddhist principles.

Keywords: Buddhakāravatā; Faith; Wisdom; Mahāsakuludāyi Sutta.