San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 44 Sk 96Memorizing the Teaching

EXPLANATION OF THE PADASODHAMMA DISCOURSE

On Remembering the Dharma

Background

The Padasodhamma discourse (Pāli: padasodhamma, that is, "the purification of words" or "the accurate remembering of each utterance") is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhadharma. Although the Vinaya Piṭaka is known for its role in regulating the monastic way of life, it also contains precious lessons on the method of studying and preserving the teaching.

This discourse is transmitted in the context of the Buddha's disciples sitting to study and remember his sermons. It was the early period of the Buddhadharma, before the scriptures were written down. Accurate remembering (dhamma pariyatti) was the only means to preserve and transmit the teaching from one generation to another.

Main Content

Padasodhamma focuses on the essential principle: to remember the teaching accurately, the practitioner must understand clearly each word, each sentence, and each concept taught by the Buddha. It is not mechanical, rote memory of spoken words, but grasping their deep meaning.

The discourse emphasizes that a Buddhist scholar of the Dharma needs three abilities:

First, the ability to remember each word (pada) accurately, without verbal deviation. This is the foundation, because an error in words will lead to misunderstanding the main meaning.

Second, understanding the meaning (attha) behind those words. A word may have many dimensions and layers of meaning, and the one who remembers needs comprehensive understanding.

Third, the ability to transmit (anurakkhana) it again to others clearly and coherently. This requires skill in teaching and wisdom.

The discourse also reminds us that remembering is not only for this life, but is also a form of practice (bhāvanā). Each time one repeats, contemplates, and studies again something the Buddha taught, the practitioner's mind is cleansed of wrong views and gradually penetrates more deeply into the truth of the teaching.