First post

Hey there readers

I've decided to jump aboard the blogging bandwagon for a bit, as a spot for me to share my thoughts to any who may be interested. What does this blog have to offer? Hopefully a take on the Dhamma, points of interest and tid bits of this and that.

Today I'd like to talk briefly on the word Vibajjavada. My interest was sparked when reading the Dhammawiki.

Here's a quote from the entry for Vibajjavada:

The Buddha did not call his followers Buddhists and in fact in at least one instance recommended that Buddhism be called vibhajjavada, which means “doctrine of analysis.” The followers would be called vibhajjavadins, which would basically mean “analysts” or “those who analyze.”

- Source

Unfortunately the source material doesn't actually cite a canonical example of the Buddha recommending that Buddhism be called Vibhajjavada. But it's a nice thought anyway.

Doctrine of analysis. This sums it up nicely doesn't it. Because as pracitioners that's how we occupy our time, analysing the true nature of phenomena, or at least trying to. I think this is what sets Theravadan Buddhism apart from other major religions of the world. It is this practical nature.

1. Svakkhato: The Dhamma is not a speculative philosophy, but is the Universal Law found through enlightenment and is preached precisely. Therefore it is Excellent in the beginning (Sila — Moral principles), Excellent in the middle (Samadhi — Concentration) and Excellent in the end (Panna — Wisdom),

2. Samditthiko: The Dhamma is testable by practice and known by direct experience,

3. Akaliko: The Dhamma is able to bestow timeless and immediate results here and now, for which there is no need to wait until the future or next existence.

4. Ehipassiko: The Dhamma welcomes all beings to put it to the test and to experience it for themselves.

5. Opaneyiko: The Dhamma is capable of being entered upon and therefore it is worthy to be followed as a part of one's life.

6. Paccattam veditabbo vinnunhi: The Dhamma may be perfectly realized only by the noble disciples who have matured and enlightened enough in supreme wisdom.

- Source

There's nothing quite like the Dhamma.

Metta
Jack