CHARACTERISTIC AND FUNCTION OF “AGEDNESS” OF THE BODHISATTVA IN MAHAMAKUT BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY VERSION OF TRANSLATED COMMENTARIES

Abstract

The research article aimed at investigating characteristics and functions of ‘agedness’ of the Bodhisattva in translated commentaries of Mahamakut Buddhist University edition. The data were collected based on the translated commentaries of Mahamakut Buddhist University edition consisting of Sutta Piṭaka, Khuddakanikāya, Jātaka Part 1 from volume 1 to 4, for a total of 255 stories. The findings were found according to the research objectives and 5 of the stories were chosen. The obtained data were examined using Hall D.A.'s conceptual framework on the requirements for aging, which consists of the following: (1) chronological aging; (2) biological aging; (3) psychological aging; and (4) sociological aging. According to the findings of the study, when Bodhisattva was born as a human, he was an old king, King Sakka who transformed into an aged, and old teacher who taught the lute. Gray hair, degradation of the body, and seniority are examples of physical aging traits. While recession, depression, and resentment are all characteristics of mental aging. When Bodhisattva was born as an old animal, he was a quail that was older than other animals, as well as a little parrot with poor eyes. The Bodhisattva's agedness functions include preaching the Dhamma on agedness, morality, respect, and caution quotes. Such functions intensify the plot and characters in the Jataka tales for readers to read and realize the urgency of aging, which leads to mindfulness of the body and prevention of careless living.