Publication: Dasakathāvatthu: An Alternative Path of Practice Leading to Liberation (vimutti)
Issued Date
2021-07-01
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ISSN
15730395
00221791
00221791
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2-s2.0-85105381612
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Indian Philosophy. Vol.49, No.3 (2021), 499-521
Suggested Citation
Ven Sajal Barua Dasakathāvatthu: An Alternative Path of Practice Leading to Liberation (vimutti). Journal of Indian Philosophy. Vol.49, No.3 (2021), 499-521. doi:10.1007/s10781-021-09471-4 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/75840
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Title
Dasakathāvatthu: An Alternative Path of Practice Leading to Liberation (vimutti)
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Abstract
Dasakathāvatthu (ten subjects of discourse) appears to be a unique, but less known course of training in the Buddhist spiritual practice of the Theravāda tradition. Though the importance of the practice is highlighted, it is discussed with very little information in the Pāli Nikāya literature. But a well-informed discussion of the practice is found in the commentarial texts. One specific feature of the practice is that the path factors are defined as kathā (talk) suggesting that the practice is dialogical. This is in connection with the Buddha’s advice that monks should spend their time either in dhamma-discussion or in noble silence. The dasakathāvatthu is an illustration of the kind of practice and talks that qualify for dhamma-discussion. The commentarial literature points out that the Buddha highly appreciates the one who, after being skilled in these talks, acts as a kalyānamitta (good friend) and discusses them with others. The stress seems to be that the conversation one has with fellow practitioners is vital in one’s spiritual journey. In other words, the spiritual journey should consist in not walking alone but walking together. For my study of the subject, I used primarily the Pāli Nikāya texts and their commentaries as source materials.