Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 6Memorizing the Teaching
Pāli / Sanskrit:Padasodhamma
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The Discourse on Memorizing the Teaching (Padasodhamma)
Background
The Padasodhamma (Pāli: Padasodhamma) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the section on the Pātimokkha, or the rules governing monastics. This is not a discourse text (Sutta) but rather an administrative portion of the Vinaya, concerning the memorization, study, and application of the Buddha's teachings by bhikkhus.
The circumstances surrounding the arising of this text are connected to the difficulties the Sangha encountered in the transmission of the Dharma. While the Buddha was still alive, his disciples could hear his teachings directly. However, as the number of bhikkhus grew, the study and memorization of the Dharma became a great challenge. This text therefore establishes principles concerning how bhikkhus should memorize, study, and transmit the Buddha's discourses to others.
Main Content
Padasodhamma, in the sense conveyed by the Pāli term, implies "the purification of words" or "the correction of language" in the course of memorizing the Dharma. This text emphasizes that bhikkhus should never, on their own initiative, alter, distort, or misrepresent the words of the Buddha. Every sentence, every technical term carries profound meaning and must be preserved with exactness.
In particular, this text stipulates that when a bhikkhu wishes to teach the Dharma to others, the prerequisite is that such a person must be confirmed to have thoroughly mastered and correctly memorized those teachings. No one is permitted to arbitrarily add or remove content, to offer erroneous interpretations, or to disseminate in the name of the Buddha things that he never said.
The text also addresses traditional methods of memorization: bhikkhus must study in portions, repeating them many times, and comparing their recitations with one another in order to ensure accuracy. This approach is called "study through learning by heart" (pariyatti), in which those newly ordained are taught by those of long-standing experience.
Practical Significance
From the perspective of practice, the Padasodhamma reflects the Theravāda view on the importance of fidelity to the original teaching.
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