Counselling Psychotherapy Unit, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, NIIBS, Manelwatta, Bollegala, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2024
Distinctive Meanings and Usages between Abhijjhā and Kāmacchanda: A Critical Examination
In terms... more Distinctive Meanings and Usages between Abhijjhā and Kāmacchanda: A Critical Examination
In terms of Buddhist psychology and mental health, comprehending the subtle distinctions between abhijjhā and kāmacchanda is crucial. The reason is that these terms play pivotal roles in Buddhist psychology related to craving (taṇhā), which is one of the Four Noble Truths. Exploring their different meanings and usages helps one understand how to overcome craving, find inner peace, and gain deep insights into the nature of desire. The paper aims to comprehensively examine the distinctive meanings and usages between covetousness (abhijjhā) and the desire for sensual objects (kāmacchanda) as reflected in Pali Buddhist texts. This research mainly addresses the following research question that is still adequately unaddressed. In which instances does abhijjhā have different meanings and usages from kāmacchanda? To formulate the research question, the present study is a qualitative method that is used in the Humanities and it is done based on Pali Buddhist exegetical works. At first, data related to abhijjhā and kāmacchanda found in Theravāda Buddhist literature will be collected. Secondly, the collected data will be analyzed systematically. Thirdly, a scholastic discussion will be done based on the analyzed data. Finally, a conclusion is expected to be made. On this account, this research discovered that the term abhijjhā has been explored into six distinct senses based on different occasions. Kāmacchanda, however, is one of the above six senses.
In several places of Pali Buddhist texts like the Sāmaññaphala-sutta, the Mahā-taṇhaṅkhaya-sutta, and their commentaries, the term ‘abhijjhā’ is used interchangeably with ‘kāmacchanda’ in the context of the five hindrances. On the basis of these points, several scholars in the field of Buddhist studies, such as H. G. A. van Zeyst (EOB. I 92), Upali Karunaratne (EOB. VII 187.), Bhikkhu Dhammavihari (2007, 127), Dharma Rakshit Bhikkhu (2017, 44), Venerable Sentot (2013, 68), Ven. Kumāra (2012, 173) asserts that abhijjhā is the interchangeable term for kāmacchanda, and they both have the same meanings. However, they both have different meanings and usages based on where they occur in Pali Buddhist literature. Thus, this paper will highlight the distinctive meanings and usages between abhijjhā and kāmacchanda.
Keywords: abhijjhā, kāmacchanda, Suttanta, Abhidhamma, their differences
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Papers by Bhikkhu Sopaka
In terms of Buddhist psychology and mental health, comprehending the subtle distinctions between abhijjhā and kāmacchanda is crucial. The reason is that these terms play pivotal roles in Buddhist psychology related to craving (taṇhā), which is one of the Four Noble Truths. Exploring their different meanings and usages helps one understand how to overcome craving, find inner peace, and gain deep insights into the nature of desire. The paper aims to comprehensively examine the distinctive meanings and usages between covetousness (abhijjhā) and the desire for sensual objects (kāmacchanda) as reflected in Pali Buddhist texts. This research mainly addresses the following research question that is still adequately unaddressed. In which instances does abhijjhā have different meanings and usages from kāmacchanda? To formulate the research question, the present study is a qualitative method that is used in the Humanities and it is done based on Pali Buddhist exegetical works. At first, data related to abhijjhā and kāmacchanda found in Theravāda Buddhist literature will be collected. Secondly, the collected data will be analyzed systematically. Thirdly, a scholastic discussion will be done based on the analyzed data. Finally, a conclusion is expected to be made. On this account, this research discovered that the term abhijjhā has been explored into six distinct senses based on different occasions. Kāmacchanda, however, is one of the above six senses.
In several places of Pali Buddhist texts like the Sāmaññaphala-sutta, the Mahā-taṇhaṅkhaya-sutta, and their commentaries, the term ‘abhijjhā’ is used interchangeably with ‘kāmacchanda’ in the context of the five hindrances. On the basis of these points, several scholars in the field of Buddhist studies, such as H. G. A. van Zeyst (EOB. I 92), Upali Karunaratne (EOB. VII 187.), Bhikkhu Dhammavihari (2007, 127), Dharma Rakshit Bhikkhu (2017, 44), Venerable Sentot (2013, 68), Ven. Kumāra (2012, 173) asserts that abhijjhā is the interchangeable term for kāmacchanda, and they both have the same meanings. However, they both have different meanings and usages based on where they occur in Pali Buddhist literature. Thus, this paper will highlight the distinctive meanings and usages between abhijjhā and kāmacchanda.
Keywords: abhijjhā, kāmacchanda, Suttanta, Abhidhamma, their differences
In terms of Buddhist psychology and mental health, comprehending the subtle distinctions between abhijjhā and kāmacchanda is crucial. The reason is that these terms play pivotal roles in Buddhist psychology related to craving (taṇhā), which is one of the Four Noble Truths. Exploring their different meanings and usages helps one understand how to overcome craving, find inner peace, and gain deep insights into the nature of desire. The paper aims to comprehensively examine the distinctive meanings and usages between covetousness (abhijjhā) and the desire for sensual objects (kāmacchanda) as reflected in Pali Buddhist texts. This research mainly addresses the following research question that is still adequately unaddressed. In which instances does abhijjhā have different meanings and usages from kāmacchanda? To formulate the research question, the present study is a qualitative method that is used in the Humanities and it is done based on Pali Buddhist exegetical works. At first, data related to abhijjhā and kāmacchanda found in Theravāda Buddhist literature will be collected. Secondly, the collected data will be analyzed systematically. Thirdly, a scholastic discussion will be done based on the analyzed data. Finally, a conclusion is expected to be made. On this account, this research discovered that the term abhijjhā has been explored into six distinct senses based on different occasions. Kāmacchanda, however, is one of the above six senses.
In several places of Pali Buddhist texts like the Sāmaññaphala-sutta, the Mahā-taṇhaṅkhaya-sutta, and their commentaries, the term ‘abhijjhā’ is used interchangeably with ‘kāmacchanda’ in the context of the five hindrances. On the basis of these points, several scholars in the field of Buddhist studies, such as H. G. A. van Zeyst (EOB. I 92), Upali Karunaratne (EOB. VII 187.), Bhikkhu Dhammavihari (2007, 127), Dharma Rakshit Bhikkhu (2017, 44), Venerable Sentot (2013, 68), Ven. Kumāra (2012, 173) asserts that abhijjhā is the interchangeable term for kāmacchanda, and they both have the same meanings. However, they both have different meanings and usages based on where they occur in Pali Buddhist literature. Thus, this paper will highlight the distinctive meanings and usages between abhijjhā and kāmacchanda.
Keywords: abhijjhā, kāmacchanda, Suttanta, Abhidhamma, their differences