Kathavatthu, Katha-vatthu, Kathāvatthu: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Kathavatthu means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesKathavatthu Katha Vatthu
The fifth of the seven books of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. (Sometimes called the third, e.g., in Mbv.94). It seems to have been compiled when the contents of at least the Dhammasangani, the Vibhanga and Patthana were already accepted as orthodox. Tradition ascribes its compilation to Moggaliputta Tissa at the end of the Third Council, held under Asokas patronage; at Pataliputta (Mhv.v.278; Dpv.vii.41, 56-8). It was rejected by some on the ground that it was set forth two hundred and eighteen years after the Buddhas death, and was hence only a disciples utterance; but the Commentaries take the view that the matika, the principles taught therein, were laid down by the Teacher himself, and that the whole work should be regarded as the utterance of the Buddha, just as the Madhu pindika Sutta, preached really by Maha Kaccana, is considered as the Buddhas teaching. The book consists of twenty three chapters, and is a collection of discussions (katha) and refutations of the heretical views of various sects on matters connected with theology and philosophy. The Buddhas authority is accepted as final. See the very valuable Preface to the Points of Controversy, by Mrs. Rhys Davids, vii ff See also Rhys Davids on Questions discussed in the Katha Vatthu, J.R.A.S.1892.
It has sometimes been suggested (E.g., J.R.A.S.1915, 805ff ) that Asokas Rock Edict IX. has been influenced by the Katha Vatthu. The Theri Khema, chief of the Buddhas women disciples, describes herself as being Kathavatthuvisarada, (ThigA.135) thus strengthening the theory that the Katha Vatthu was known already in the Buddhas time.
The Udana Commentary (UdA.94) refers to a Kathavatthupakarana Tika for details of certain points raised.
Source: Dhamma Study: Introduction to the DhammaFifth book of the Abhidhamma.
The discussion of points of controversy with schismatic sects.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarykathāvatthu : (nt.) subject of a discussion; the 5th book of the Abhidhamma.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryKathāvatthu refers to: 1. subject of a discourse or discussion, argument M. I, 372; II, 127, 132. There are 10 enumerated at A. IV, 352, 357 (see kathā) and at Vism. 19 as qualities of a kalyāṇa-mitta, referred to at A. V, 67, 129; Vism. 127; DhA. IV, 30. Three are given at D. III, 220=A. I, 197. °kusala well up in the subjects of discussion VvA. 354.—2. N. of the fifth book of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka, the seven constituents of which are enumerated at var. places (e.g. DA. I, 17; Mhbv 94, where Kvu takes the 3rd place), see also J. P. T. S. 1882, 1888, 1896.
Note: kathāvatthu is a Pali compound consisting of the words kathā and vatthu.
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Vatthu, Katha, Katta.
Starts with: Kathavatthu Sutta.
Full-text: Kathavatthu Sutta, Bhassa, Ekapuggala Sutta, Abhidhammapitaka, Kassapiya, Pakarana, Pubbaseliya, Antaraparinirvayin, Third Buddhist Council, Magadha, Vibhajja Vada, Mahasamghika, Andhaka, Paramattha, Vacchagotta.
Relevant text
Search found 30 books and stories containing Kathavatthu, Katha-vatthu, Kathāvatthu, Kathā-vatthu; (plurals include: Kathavatthus, vatthus, Kathāvatthus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Part II - The Date Of The Manual < [Introductory Essay]
Part IV - On The Method And Argument Of The Manual < [Introductory Essay]
Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma (by Kyaw Min, U)
Appendix III - The Abhidhamma < [Book III]
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
Part V - Kathavatthu Pali < [Chapter X - Abhidhamma Pitaka]
Part VI - Yamaka Pali < [Chapter X - Abhidhamma Pitaka]
Dipavamsa (study) (by Sibani Barman)
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Biography (9): Mantāṇiputta Puṇṇa Mahāthera < [Chapter 43 - Forty-one Arahat-Mahatheras and their Respective Etadagga titles]
Part 4 - The Week at the Golden House (Ratanāghara Sattāha) < [Chapter 8 - The Buddha’s stay at the Seven Places]
Biography (2) Khemā Therī < [Chapter 44 - Life Histories of Bhikkhunī Arahats]
Apadana commentary (Atthakatha) (by U Lu Pe Win)
Commentary on the Biography of Puṇṇa thera, Son of Mantānī < [Chapter 1 - Buddhavagga (Buddha section)]