Page 7 - EH57

LEAD ARTICLE | EASTERN HORIZON 5

Ven Mahinda giving Dhamma teaching to five sāmaṇeras during a visit to site of Pusat Buddis Dhammaduta Malaysia now under
construction in Putrajaya. The five sāmaṇeras participated in a special Novitiate at Samadhi Vihara during Vas 2018.

“This is the Noble Truth of the path leading to the idea they express is found in a number of discourses
cessation of suffering (magga). It should be developed. (suttas) such as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,
And it has been developed”. This is known in Pāli as, SN 56.11, and the Uposatha Sutta, AN 8.41, they are
Tiparivaṭṭaṃ Dvādasākaraṃ or the three aspects and more clearly expressed and emphasized in the Visuddhi
twelve ways how the Buddha realized the Four Noble Magga commentaries.
Truths.
The word “study” implies we read the texts. But
This is where we encounter the teachings of during the Buddha’s time, the teachings were all
pariyatti (theory), paṭipatti (practice), and paṭivedha given orally. So in today’s context, how should we
(realization). When the Buddha first mentions “This actually study the Dhamma?
is the Noble Truth of dukkha”, it is the pariyatti aspect
(i.e. it is a statement of fact or theory which needs During the Buddha’s time a learned person was ‘one
to be studied or investigated). When the Buddha who has heard much’ (bāhusuttam) because the main
mentions “This Noble Truth of Dukkha should be fully source of information was through listening. Nowadays
perceived”, it is the paṭipatti aspect (i.e. the practice we have books and electronic media so most study
or practical aspect which needs to be carried out). is done through reading. However, where spiritual
Similarly, when the Buddha mentions “This Noble Truth development is concerned, it is very important for a
of Dukkha has been fully perceived” it is the paṭivedha genuine and sincere aspirant to have the opportunity to
aspect (i.e. the realization - the truth to be studied or make personal contact with authentic teachers.
investigated is now fully verified). The same applies for
the three other Noble Truths: Samudaya, Nirodha, and The Buddha had the unique ability to teach or
Magga. instruct his disciples according to their capabilities
as he was able to gauge the mental faculties of each
Although the actual terms pariyatti (theory), paṭipatti individual. The five mental faculties or Pañca Indriya
(practice), and paṭivedha (realization) appear separately are: Saddhā (Faith or confidence), Viriya (Energy or
in the Suttas such as in the Aṅguttara Nikāya and the effort), Sati (Mindfulness), Samādhi (Concentration),