VISUDDHIMAGGA Meaning and
Definition
-
Visuddhimagga is a Pali term that can be translated as "The Path of Purification" or "The Great Treatise on the Path to Purification." It is a comprehensive manual of Buddhist meditation composed by the renowned scholar and monk Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE.
The Visuddhimagga serves as a guidebook for the practice of Theravada Buddhism, particularly focusing on the development of insight and concentration. It presents a systematic approach to the stages of meditation, providing detailed instructions on various techniques and methods to purify the mind and progress along the path to enlightenment.
This text covers a wide range of topics, including the ethical principles and virtues to be cultivated, the hindrances and defilements to be overcome, and the cultivation of mindfulness and insight. It discusses various meditation practices, such as breath meditation, contemplation of the body, loving-kindness meditation, and more.
The Visuddhimagga also elaborates on the stages of insight and the development of wisdom, providing insights into the nature of reality and the four noble truths. It offers detailed explanations of the intricate aspects of Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and meditative experiences, drawing extensively from earlier Buddhist scriptures and commentaries.
Considered as one of the most influential and authoritative works in Theravada Buddhism, the Visuddhimagga has played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Buddha. It has greatly contributed to the development of meditation practices and has been regarded as a valuable resource for both monks and lay practitioners seeking to deepen their spiritual understanding and attain liberation from suffering.
Etymology of VISUDDHIMAGGA
The word "Visuddhimagga" is of Pali origin. Pali is an ancient language closely related to Sanskrit and was used as one of the primary languages for the Buddhist scriptures. The etymology of "Visuddhimagga" can be broken down as follows:
1. Visuddhi: The term "Visuddhi" means purification or purifying. is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vishuddhi" with the same meaning.
2. Magga: The term "Magga" means path or way. is derived from the Sanskrit word "Marga" with the same meaning.
Thus, when combined, "Visuddhimagga" translates to "The Path of Purification" or "The Path of Purifying". The Visuddhimagga is a well-known Buddhist text written by the great Buddhist scholar and commentator Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE.
