Abstract:
The study entitled An Analysis of the Causes of Disappearance of Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in Theravada Buddhism consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in Theravada Buddhism; 2) to explore the cause of disappearance of Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in Theravada Buddhism; and 3) to analyze the ways to prevent the disappearance of Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in Theravada Buddhism. From the study, the following findings are found:
1) Saddhamma, also referred as the True Dhamma, is the Buddha's teaching that is the heart of Buddhism and is essential to its existence. Saddhamma consists as follows: (1) Pariyatti-saddhamma refers to the true doctrine to be studied, namely Navaṅga-satthusāsana (the Masters ninefold teaching); (2) Paṭipatti-saddhamma refers to the true doctrine to be practiced, namely the Noble Eightfold Path, the way leading to the cessation of suffering, can be summarized into Trisikkhā (the Threefold Learning): sīla (morality), samādhi (concentration), and paññā (wisdom).
(3) Paṭivedha-saddhamma refers to the true doctrine of penetration which results in Lokuttaradhamma (the Nine Supermundane States) consisting of Magga (the Four Paths), Phala (the Four Fruitions), and Nibbāna (the Unconditioned State).
2) The causes of disappearance of Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in Theravada Buddhism consist of four aspects as follows: (1) The words and meanings of the true dhammas that have not been carried carefully and correctly; (2) Learners are hard to teach, they are lack of patience and do not accept the teachings with respect; (3) One who has learned much does not pass on the knowledge; (4) Senior monks are greedy, not disciplined, and do not have an effort to attain enlightenment. The causes of disappearance of Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in the present society are: (1) The Buddhist assembly's neglect; (2) The decline of monks' wisdom; and (3) Buddhism's faith crisis.
3) The ways to prevent the disappearance of Saddhamma (True Dhamma) in Theravada Buddhism are follows: (1) On Pariyatti (study) includes the study of Buddhist teachings; (2) On Paṭipatti (practice) includes the promotion of meditation practice both Vipassanā (insight) and Samatha (tranquility); and (3) On Paṭivedha (penetration), which includes both study and practice; penetration will be achievable only with these two, as these three are interdependent. Pariyatti is usefull if it is not for practice. Paṭipatti is useless if it is not for Paṭivedha. Paṭipatti aims at attaining enlightenment. If one walks on the right path, one will eventually reach the destination.