A STUDY OF PALI LITERATURE’S POETIC FLAVOR IN DHAMMAPADATTHAKATHA

Abstract

The Dhammapada commentary is a comprehensive literary text worthy of study and research. This research aims to achieve three objectives: 1) to study the origin and meaning of Pali literary flavors, 2) to examine literary flavors in the Dhammapada commentary, and 3) to analyze the literary flavors found within this commentary. This is a documentary research, using documents, texts, and books related to literary flavors as the sample group. The focus is primarily on the Dhammapada commentary and related texts on Pali literature. The analysis employed is content analysis.

Pali literature is a collection of the Buddha's teachings, divided into two main parts: the Dharma, teachings on principles, and the Vinaya, rules for monks. The origins of Pali literature can be traced back to the Buddha's teachings delivered to his disciples and subsequently compiled. Over time, additional texts such as commentaries were added to explain and elaborate on the Dharma and Vinaya, resulting in a greater diversity of Pali literature.

The Dhammapada commentary is a book that explains the stories found in the Tripitaka. It contains numerous stories and encompasses nine different literary flavors or emotions: Sringara rasa (love), Hasya rasa (humor), Karuna rasa (compassion), Raudra rasa (anger), Vira rasa (heroism), Bhayanaka rasa (fear), Vibhatsa rasa (disgust), Adbhuta rasa (wonder), and Shanta rasa (peace).

          Studying literary tastes in Pali literature offers numerous benefits for personal development. These benefits include enhancing Pali language skills, analytical thinking, critical thinking, and understanding human emotions. Furthermore, it helps us learn about values, cultures, and improves our communication skills.