San Lo Mvu 32Genesis of the World
Pāli / Sanskrit:Genesis of the World
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Explanation of the Genesis of the World Sutta (Vinaya Piṭaka)
Background
The Genesis of the World Sutta (Sanlou Mvu 32) is preserved in the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka tradition, an important part of the Theravāda Buddhist Canon. This is part of the Vinaya discourses, teachings on discipline in Theravāda Buddhism, which not only regulate behavior but also extend to explaining the origin of material and psychological phenomena.
This explanation was presented by the Buddha to help his disciples understand the mechanism of the formation and development of the universe, thereby recognizing the impermanence (anicca) and non-self (anattā) of all phenomena. This discourse is deeply connected with Abhidhamma teachings, especially sections presenting the development of the world through cycles of mahā-kalpa and anta-kalpa.
Main Content
The Genesis of the World Sutta describes the process of the formation, development, and dissolution of the world according to the view of the Buddha-Dharma. Unlike other religions that maintain the existence of a creator god, Theravāda Buddhism understands that the universe is formed from saṅkhāras, subtle conditioning forces arising from mind and action.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, this process begins when life in the realm of concentration (Brahmāloka) or the highest realms declines. These beings of high intelligence pass away from those realms and are reborn in an empty realm, a new space. From there, the material elements (mahābhūta), earth, water, fire, and air, gradually gather and take shape. These beings consume the subtle nutrients of the earth (pathavī-rasa), store and share the nutrients, and from this the world with islands, mountains, and seas comes into being.
The discourse emphasizes that this process is entirely natural, according to the law of paṭiccasamuppāda, dependent origination. There is no intervention by any god or creator. All things arise from definite conditions, from saṅkhāras and actions. The world develops through natural stages and eventually enters complete dissolution, then arises again in an endless cycle.
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