San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 44 Sk 88Memorizing the Teaching
Pāli / Sanskrit:Padasodhamma
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Padasodhamma Discourse: Learning the Heart of the Dharma
Background
The Padasodhamma discourse (Pāli: Pada-sodhamma, provisionally translated as "Purifying the Words" or "Remembering the Dharma through Words") is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhuṇī Pātimokkha or the rules related to remembering and transmitting the Dharma. This discourse is classified as number 44 according to the Sangit Sarvangis classification, corresponding to discourse number 88 in another system.
The historical background of this discourse comes from the time when the Buddha was still alive, when he emphasized the importance of accurately remembering the teachings. In the early period of the Sangha, there were no written texts; the entire Dharma was transmitted through recitation and memory. Therefore, the ability to remember accurately (paripucchā, the ability to ask precise questions, and dhāraṇā, the ability to retain) became a vital factor in protecting the Dharma intact.
This discourse records the principles and methods that help bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs remember and study the Dharma accurately, in order to avoid deviations or distortions in the process of transmission.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda tradition, Padasodhamma emphasizes that remembering the Dharma is not mechanical memorization. Instead, the student must understand each word (pada), each phrase (vacanavara), and the profound meaning of the Buddha's teaching.
The discourse points out four approaches to purifying and mastering the Dharma:
First, learning through direct listening from learned teachers (bahussuta, those who have learned many scriptures). These teachers not only remember the teaching, but also understand the context and purpose of each discourse.
Second, one must reflect (tīraṇa), not merely believe one-sidedly, but investigate, compare, and verify the teachings to make sure there is no contradiction or deviation.
Third, practice (paṭipatti) according to the Dharma that has been learned. This is very important because the Buddhadharma is not floating theory but a practical path of life.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.