In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

The oldest and most important of the Commentaries on the Tipitaka, brought, according to tradition, to Ceylon by Mahinda, who translated it into Singhalese (Cv.xxxvii.228f). It thus came to be called the Sihalatthakatha. Besides exegetical material on the Pali Canon, it contained also historical materials on which were later based the Pali Chronicles, the Mahavamsa and the Dipavamsa. For a description see Geigers Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, pp. 44, 63, etc.

The Maha atthakatha was the chief source from which Buddhaghosa drew his materials for his Commentaries and is often referred to in his works, particularly in the Samantapasadika. E.g., Sp.i.2; ii.494; 265; iii.537, 616, 617, 627, 701, 716, 718, 726; iv. 744, 776, 783, 817, 863, 914, 923; DhSA.157; DA.i.180, etc.

The Maha atthakatha was in charge of the monks of the Mahavihara at Anuradhapura. It was superseded by the Commentaries of Buddhaghosa, Dhammapala and others, and is not now extant. It is often referred to merely as Atthakatha. E.g., VibhA.56, 155, 200, etc.

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).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Maha, Atthakatha.

Full-text: Mulakatthakatha, Kokalika Sutta.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Maha Atthakatha, Mahā-atthakathā; (plurals include: Maha Atthakathas, atthakathās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Dhammasangani (by C.A.F. Rhys Davids)

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

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