The Significance of Puccha-vissajjana in the Buddhist Literature

Authors

Pisit Kobbun

Publication Date

2005-01-01

Abstract

The use of pucchā-vissajjanā, question and answer, in the Pāli suttas reflects its significance as a literary technique for communicating the teachings of the Buddha. Pucchā-vissajjanā is a technique for teaching the dhamma employed by the Buddha and his disciples. It is a mnemonic technique for conveying and maintaining the teachings in the oral tradition and was kept as a written record until it becomes a tradition technique in composing post-Tipitaka Buddhist literature. When regarding the suttas as a textbook, the use of pucchā-vissajjanā in the suttas is important for the study of dhamma-vinaya. Constructing the suttas according to the pucchā-vissajjanā technique is favorable for dhamma practice and concentration- development. The pucchā-vissajjanā process is well in accord with the process of concentration-development for developing wisdom. As a result of this, those who study the suttas (the story being developed through pucchā-vissajjanā) will thereby certainly be practicing concentration while studying the text.

First Page

30

Last Page

43

Recommended Citation

Kobbun, Pisit (2005) "The Significance of Puccha-vissajjana in the Buddhist Literature," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 8: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol8/iss2/3