ANUPUBBIKATHA AS A FACTOR IN CREATING FAITH IN THERAVADA BUDDHISM

Abstract

This research article to: 1) Study the principle of Anupubbikatha (Progressive Sermon) in Theravada Buddhism; 2) Analysis the components of Anupubbikatha; and 3) Analyze the principle of Anupubbikatha as a factor in creating faith in Buddhism. This study employs a documentary research methodology, analyzing data from the Tipitaka, Commentaries (Atthakatha), Sub-commentaries (Tika and Anutika), special treatises (Pakaranavisesa), and relevant Buddhist literature. The research findings were as follows: 1) Anupubbikatha is a Dhamma principle expounded by the Buddha for householders to purify their minds. Its content deepens progressively in stages, ranging from simple to profound levels. 2) Anupubbikatha comprises five components, namely: 1) Dana-katha (talk on giving), 2) Sila-katha (talk on morality), 3) Sagga-katha (talk on heaven), 4) Kama-adinava-katha (talk on the danger of sensual pleasures), and 5) Nekkhamma-anisamsa-katha (talk on the benefits of renunciation). The immediate objective of this sermon is not to lead listeners to instant enlightenment, but rather to refine their minds and adjust their views toward Right View (Samma-ditthi). 3) The expounding of Anupubbikatha serves as a teaching mechanism to elevate human faith from “Mundane Faith” (Lokiya-saddha) a belief in Kamma and its fruits through giving, morality, and heaven to “Supramundane Faith” (Lokuttara-saddha), which is faith rooted in the wisdom of enlightenment gained by recognizing the perils of sensual pleasures and the advantages of renunciation. This process has fostered a resilient Buddhist community, encompassing both those who renounced worldly life to ordain for the cessation of suffering, and lay devotees (Upasaka and Upasika) who have served as the foundation sustaining Buddhism to the present day.