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Discuss the main issues encountered by Buddhists in interpreting their canonical texts, and
the hermeneutical strategies they adopted
Ven Uttamasaralankara

Introduction
The interpretation of Buddhist canonical texts has always been difficult for various reasons. The
loss of original context, language complexities, changing doctrinal frameworks, and cultural
influences have profoundly impacted how these texts are understood. To address these challenges
and make sure the teachings were applicable and understandable in a variety of historical and
cultural contexts, Buddhist scholars used complex hermeneutical techniques. In this short essay, I
will explore the challenges in interpreting Buddhist canonical texts and focus on the
hermeneutical strategies used by scholars. The discussion is based on The Suttanipāta: An
Ancient Collection of the Buddha’s Discourses Together With Its Commentaries, Pp. 66-78 and
81-84.

Challenges in Interpretation
A significant challenge in interpreting Buddhist canonical texts is the loss of their original
context. The initial teachings of Buddhism were conveyed orally for centuries before being
written. This oral tradition frequently left meaning gaps, particularly as the religion spread
geographically and temporally. The Pāḷi Canon’s complicated and ancient language added to
the challenge.1 Pāli words often carry multiple meanings depending on the context, complicating
accurate interpretation. Furthermore, the development of doctrinal frameworks introduced an
additional degree of intricacy. Buddhist traditions become increasingly complex throughout time,
requiring the reading of previous scriptures to accommodate new developments. As Buddhism
expanded around the world, it also brought about cultural and geographic differences, with
local influences forming distinctive interpretations of the teachings. Reconciling these diverse
understandings with traditional meanings became an ongoing challenge. Lastly, keeping
doctrines pure while changing teachings to new audiences needed a careful balance between
new ideas and staying true to the Buddha’s original teachings.

Hermeneutical Strategies Adopted

To overcome these issues, Buddhist scholars developed a range of hermeneutical strategies. The
Paramatthajotikā by Buddhaghosa is an example of a systematic commentary tradition.2 These
commentaries gave official explanations of terminology (padavaṇṇanā) and beliefs meaning
(atthavaṇṇanā), establishing a systematic framework for interpretation. Another crucial strategy
was the use of definitions and synonyms. In order to ensure uniformity and clarity, texts like the
Niddesa provided methodical explanations of important terms like craving, wisdom, and
suffering. Scholars employed clarification of purpose (adhippāya) to disclose doctrinal

1
The Pāli Canon is the main collection of scriptures in Theravada Buddhism, preserved in the Pāli language. It is the
most comprehensive early Buddhist canon that exists today. Consequently, the canon is generally referred to as the
Tipiṭaka (“three baskets”). The three Piṭakas are enumerated as Vinaya Piṭaka (Discipline Basket), concerning the
regulations or discipline of the Saṅgha. Sutta Piṭaka (Basket of Sutta/Sayings), including the talks and sermons of
the Buddha, together with some holy poetry; it is the most extensive basket. Abhidhamma Piṭaka, a collection of
texts that expound Buddhist concepts, notably about the mind, is often referred to as the “systematic philosophy”
basket.
2
Khp-a. 216 (MM). (ayaṃ paramatthajotikā nāma khuddakapāṭhavaṇṇanā – This is the Paramatthajotikā, the
commantery or definition on the Khuddaka script.) PTS 0.253. Sp-ṭ. 254. (MM). Vin-vn-ṭ. Vol.1. 9 (MM).
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connotations in passages. To make abstract teachings more relevant, projective literalism was
utilised to develop background stories to explain the origins of verses, such as in the
Khaggavisāṇa Sutta.3 Scholars also used doctrinal categorisation to distinguish between
ordinary and transcendent events. They also reorganised poetry verses into standard prose using
syntax (yojanā) to improve logical coherence. Finally, historical contextualisation offered
narratives that placed teaching inside particular events, while the reconciliation of divergent
perspectives recognised and addressed varying interpretations, therefore fostering unity among
differences.

Conclusion
Buddhist canonical writings were carefully interpreted to ensure their adaptation and
preservation across time and cultural boundaries. Scholars such as Buddhaghosa addressed
linguistic, theological, and cultural challenges while maintaining the relevance of these teachings
by systematising and expanding upon them. These hermeneutical efforts not only safeguarded
the Buddha’s teachings but also enriched their application in diverse contexts, sustaining the
vitality of Buddhist tradition over centuries.

Abbreviations
Khp-a Khuddakapāṭha-aṭṭhakathā (Paramatthajotikā)
MM Myanmar
PTS Pali Text Society
Sn Suttanipāta Pāḷi
Sn-a Suttanipāta-aṭṭhakathā (Paramatthajotikā)
Sp-ṭ Sāratthadīpanī-ṭīkā
Vin-vn-ṭ Vinayavinicchayo-ṭīkā

References
1. Bodhi, Bhikkhu. (2017). The Suttanipāta: An Ancient Collection of the Buddha’s
Discourses Together With Its Commentaries. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications.
2. Khuddakapāṭha-aṭṭhakathā. (1959). Chaṭṭhasaṅgītipiṭaka. Yangon, Kabaraye, Ministry of
Religious Affairs.
3. Sāratthadīpanī-tīkā. (1959). Chaṭṭhasaṅgītipiṭaka. Yangon, Kabaraye, Ministry of
Religious Affairs.
4. Sutta-Nipāta Commentary, Paramatthajotikā II. Uragavagga Cūḷavagga. Vol. I. (1916).
Edited by Helmer Smith. PTS. Oxford University Press Warehouse, Amen Corner, E.C.
5. Suttanipāta-aṭṭhakathā Vol I. (1959). Chaṭṭhasaṅgītipiṭaka. Yangon, Kabaraye, Ministry of
Religious Affairs.
6. Suttanipāta-Pāḷi (1913). Edited by Dines Andersen & Helmer Smith. PTS. Oxford
University Press.
7. Suttnipāta Pāḷi. (1959). Chaṭṭhasaṅgītipiṭaka. Yangon, Kabaraye, Ministry of Religious
Affairs.
8. Vinayavinicchaya-ṭīkā. Vol. 1. (1959). Chaṭṭhasaṅgītipiṭaka. Yangon, Kabaraye, Ministry
of Religious Affairs.

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Sn. 290 (MM). PTS 0.6. Sn-a Vol. I. 42. (MM). PTS. 1.46.