An Analytical Study of Moneyyapaṭipadā in the Nālaka Sutta

Abstract

This thesis has three objectives: (1) to study the structure and essential content of the Nālaka Sutta, (2) to study the Moneyyapaṭipadā (the Path of Practice for the Sage) in the Nālaka Sutta, and (3) to analyze the characteristics and implications of the Moneyyapaṭipadā within the context of the Sutta.

The result of the study found that the Nālaka Sutta recounts the story of Venerable Nālaka, the nephew of the ascetic Asita, who approached the Buddha with a question concerning the Moneyyapaṭipadā (the path of practice for a sage or Muni). It expounds the practical path leading to Arahantship according to the Moneyyapaṭipadā. including emotional restraint, renunciation of sensual pleasures, moderation, non-attachment to the requisites (the four supports), meditative cultivation.

Analysis reveals that the Moneyyapaṭipadā in the Nālaka Sutta contains practical principles divided into three levels;

Physical aspect (Kāya): The Moneyyapaṭipadā emphasizes non-attachment to the body, which comprises both pleasure and suffering. The body is not the true self but merely an instrument used for mental development to achieve liberation from suffering caused by bodily attachment, without seeking escape from this body to attain true liberation.

Verbal aspect (Vacī): The verbal aspect of Moneyyapaṭipadā emphasizes correct speech that does not cause harm or suffering to oneself or others. This principle helps avoid seeking the four requisites that provide bodily comfort but hinder spiritual progress.

Mental aspect (Mano): The mental aspect of Moneyyapaṭipadā involves controlling and training the mind to be peaceful, free from greed (Lobha), hatred (Dosa), and delusion (Moha), which are the root causes of suffering. Mental development through Samatha (Tranquility) and Vipassanā (Insight) meditation is essential for training the mind to be liberated from defilements (Kilesa) and achieve the ultimate goal in Buddhism. The mind is likened to a restless monkey; therefore, Concentration (Samādhi) must be employed as a tool for mental training and eliminating unwholesome mental states to elevate the mind.

Keywords : Nālaka Sutta, Moneyyapaṭipadā