Atthaka Vagga: 1 definition

Introduction:

Atthaka Vagga 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)

[«previous next»] — Atthaka Vagga in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Atthaka Vagga - The fourth division of the Sutta Nipata. It consists of sixteen suttas, all of which are explained in the Maha Niddesa. It may also have been the name of divisions of other books, because we are told that once Sona Thera intoned before the Buddha all the verses of the Books of the Eights (Atthaka vaggikani). Vin.i.196-7. The DhA. (iv.101-2) says he recited the 16 portions of the Atthakavagga.

Nandamata Upasika was once reciting the Atthakavagga and the Parayanavagga on the roof of her house, and Vessavana, while on the way with his followers to see the Buddha, listened to her recital (SnA.i.370; but see A.iv.63, where only the Parayana is mentioned). According to this tradition, the Atthakavagga was already being recited in the Buddhas own time.

In Sanskrit the title was known as Artha varga and was so understood by the Chinese translators. No one has explained what the title means nor has interpreted the second sutta (Guhatthaka) except as The eight Verses on the cave, and similarly with the three following suttas: Dutthatthaka, Suddhattha and Paramatthaka, each of eight verses. The fact that it is commented on separately in the Maha Niddesa and was translated into Chinese makes it appear probable that it was once a separate work. See Thomas, op. cit., 274.

context information

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).

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