Atthakatha, Atthakathā, Aṭṭhakathā, Attha-katha: 5 definitions

Introduction
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
2. General definition
Languages
1. Pali
See also

Introduction:

Atthakatha 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 Names

Mentioned in the Digha Commentary (iii.728) as being capable of solving the doubts that arose in the mind of Maha Sivali Thera of the village hermitage.

Source: Dhamma Dana: Pali English Glossary

F Set of commentaries included into the tipitaka and whose truthfulness is acknowledged by the sangha.

The atthakathas do provide a very helpful guidance to all those who thoroughly study the texts on dhamma as they do explain their basic essentials while throwing fresh light on the most sensitive points.

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).

General definition (in Buddhism)

Source: archive.org: Tipitaka Studies Outside Myanmar

Atthakatha (commentaries) refers to a category of Buddhist literature approved by the sixth Buddhist council.—Atthakatha comprises the explanations, stories, and metaphores rooted in the uncanonized knowledge of the great masters who attended the First Buddhist Council, then enriched by a large amount of information gathered over seven or more centuries, finalized by the famous Venerable Buddhaghosa in the fifth century AC.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

atthakathā : (f.) explanation; exposition; a commentary. || aṭṭhakathā (f.), a commentary; explanation of meaning.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Atthakathā refers to: (aṭṭha°) exposition of the sense, explanation, commentary J. V, 38, 170; PvA. 1, 71, etc. frequent in N. of Com.

Note: atthakathā is a Pali compound consisting of the words attha and kathā.

context information

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.

Relevant text

Search found 32 books and stories containing Atthakatha, Atthakathā, Aṭṭhakathā, Attha-katha, Attha-kathā; (plurals include: Atthakathas, Atthakathās, Aṭṭhakathās, kathas, kathās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Part 4 - Queen Mahā-Māyā’s Journey from Kapilavatthu to Devadaha < [Chapter 1 - The Story of Sataketu Deva, The Future Buddha]

Part 5 - The Birth of The Bodhisatta < [Chapter 1 - The Story of Sataketu Deva, The Future Buddha]

Aṭṭhanga Uposatha Sīla (The Eight-Precept Observance) < [Chapter 6 - On Pāramitā]

+ 25 more chapters / show preview

Division IV - Atthakatha Kanda < [Part II - The Dhammasangani]

Part II - The Dhammasangani

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Part III - On The Commentaries And The Importance Of The Atthasalini < [Introductory Essay]

Introductory < [Book II - Form]

Appendix II

+ 2 more chapters / show preview

Abbreviations