The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
by Moumita Dutta Banik | 2017 | 50,922 words
This study deals with the Catu-Bhanavara-Pali, (lit. “Text of the Four Recitals”) which in Buddhism is popularly known as “The Book of Protection”. This text, in the Pali language, represents a recital of the Dhamma meant for protection and deliverance from evil and sorrows as well as promoting welfare and well-being. The spreading time of Catubhan...
The second Bhanavara (Introduction)
The subject matter of the second Bhanavara Pali consists mainly of Five main topics namely:
(1) Mahakassapa (Sanskrit: Mahakashyapa) Thera Bojjhanga,
(2) Mahamoggallana Thera Bojjhanga,
(3) Mahacunda Thera Bojjhanga,
(4) Girimananda Sutta and
(5) Isigili Sutta (sk. Risigili).
The term ‘Bojjhanga’ means [bodhi+anga; Cariya-Pitaka[1]. Bsk[2] bodhyanga, e.g.. Lalitavistara[3] 37, where the 7 are given at Divyavadana[4] 208] a factor or constituent of knowledge or wisdom. The context helps us to understand the 7 bojjhangas and it can also be understood from this context. These are enumerated at several places example–Add D[5] 11. 106 with a list of quality (dhamma) that plays a great part in the greatest happiness of Gods and man alike. The 4 satipatthana[6], 4 samma–padhana[7], 4 iddkipada[8] 5 indriyani,[9] 5 balani and the 7 bojjhanga and ariya atthangika magga”,[10] 27 in all.
A similar list is to be found in the Divyavadana (p 208) which is also called the 7th bojjhanga or same bojjhangas are sati, dhmma vicaya, viriya, piti, passaddhi, samadhi and upekkha or mindfulness, investigation of the Law, energy, rapture, repose, concentration and equanimity [they are counted among the 37 Constituents of Arhantship, viz the 30 qualities [counting magga as one] with addition of “silesu paripuri-karita in driyesu gutta-dvarata, bhojane mattannuta, Jagarikanuyoga, satisampajanna.”
G.P. Malalasekera is of the opinion that (bojjhanga sutta) deals with the 4 kinds of evil deeds with more bright results, evil with the bright result, bright with the bright result, and bright with the evil result.
The seven kinds of wisdom (bojjhanga) can be categorized as neither dark nor bright and the conduce to the waving of deeds.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Cariya-Pitaka -Cariya -pitaka… 1a, PTS 1882.
[2]:
BSK-Buddhist Sanskrit.
[3]:
Divyâvadana-Divyavadana, ed. Cowell and Neil, Cambridge 1886. (Divyâvadana).
[4]:
Lalitavistara-Lalita-vistara, ed. S. Lefmann. I. Halle 1902.
[6]:
Sati -patthana [Bsk. smrty' upasthana Divyavadana 126, 182, 208] intent contemplation and mindfulness earnest thought, application of mindfulness; there are four Satipatthanas , referring to the body, the sensations, the mind and phenomena respectively.
[7]:
Samma-padhana-Samma means Samma. [samyak] (indecl.) vedic samyac (=samyak) and samis “Connected, one”; see under say] thoroughly, properly, rightly; in the right way, as it ought to be, best perfectly (opp. Miccha) DI. 12; vin 1.12; Sn 359; 947; Dh 89, 373 ppddhana [c.p. Bsksamya kprahana Divyâvadana 208] right exertion vin 1.22; Dhs 358; Dipavamsa 18, 5; they are four D 11.120; M 111. 296; explained M11.11 (anuppan-nanay papakanay akusalanay dhammanay anuppada-ya; uppadaya; uppannanay thitiya).
[8]:
iddhipada-They are the making determination in respect of concentration on purpose, on will, on thoughts and on investigation (D 11.213; M 103; A 1.39, 297; 11.256 111.82; Ps 1.111; 11154, 164, 205; Vbh 216).
[9]:
[10]:
Pali-english Dictionary T.W.RHYS DAVIDS, William Stede or, the “Noble Eightfold path” (see atthangika). It is mentioned at many places and forms the corner-stone of the Buddha’s teaching as to the means of escaping “dukkha” or the ills of life.