An Understanding of Buddhānussati in Buddhism: An Epistemological Analysis

Abstract

          This article aims to Understand of Buddhānussati in Buddhism through an epistemological analysis. It posits that Buddhānussati is not merely a conventional belief or a formalistic remembrance of the Buddha, but rather a cognitive mechanism that bridges existing knowledge with the development of new insights. In the dimension of prior knowledge—namely suta-maya-paññā (wisdom resulting from listening) and cintā-maya-paññā (wisdom resulting from reflection)—Buddhānussati functions as a conceptual framework and Sammā-diṭṭhi (Right View) that practitioners employ as a foundation to direct the orientation of the mind. Within the Theravāda tradition, this is perceived through the attributes of the Buddha (Buddhaguṇa) to instill Saddhā (faith) that catalyzes self-reliant effort. Conversely, in the Mahāyāna tradition, it involves the realization of Buddha-nature inherent in all sentient beings and a reliance on external supportive powers to arouse Bodhicitta. Epistemological analysis reveals that Buddhānussati serves as a bridge to a posteriori knowledge or bhāvanā-maya-paññā (wisdom resulting from mental development), which arises from direct experiential practice. This process facilitates a transition from perceiving the Buddha through personification (anthropomorphic form) toward attaining absolute truth through dhammādhiṭṭhāna (impersonal or truth-based orientation). The pragmatic outcome is the eradication of Avijjā (ignorance) by calming and purifying the mind until it perceives reality as it truly is (yathā-bhūta-ñāṇa-dassana). In Theravāda, this culminates in the realization of Tilakkhaṇa (the Three Marks of Existence) through the mind and body; whereas in Mahāyāna, it unveils the primordial nature of enlightenment and the state of pure Śūnyatā (Emptiness). Consequently, Buddhānussati in an epistemological context signifies the process of restructuring the cognitive framework of the mind—transitioning from faith grounded in scriptural data to wisdom derived from internal awakening. Its ultimate objective is the cessation of suffering and the realization of the supreme truth in Buddhism.