An Analysis of the Tapa in the Maṅgalatthadipani

Abstract

This research was to investigate 1) the Tapa concept in the Buddhist Canon, 2) the Tapa in the Maṅgalatthadīpanī Canon and 3) to analyze the Tapa in the Maṅgalatthadīpanī Canon. This was a qualitative approach through studying data from the related Tipiṭaka, Aṭṭhakathā, Tīka, books and research papers; and analyzing with prescriptive presentation.

The results revealed that 1) the Tapa (austerity/self-control/non-indulgence) was the code of Buddhist practices and required self-training for development to liberate oneself from all evil dominance. It was to resist the inclination of various kilesa (defilements/evil wishes) so long burning our mind. This is through tolerance against defilements impacting our bodies, words and minds. Spiritual training for invigoration demanded adherence to sīla (precepts), physical restraints and abiding with the principles of the sīla (precepts/morality), samādhi (concentration/mental discipline), and paññā (wisdom/discernment), respectively in order to achieve Magga (the noble path) of enlightenment.

2) The Tapa teachings in the Maṅgalatthadīpanī Canon contained two parts, i.e. 1) The Tapa as the Maṅgala (auspices/blessings) and 2) The Tapa in the Maṅgalatthadīpanī Canon. Both headed to physical restraints (Indriya Saṁvara), and the perseverance creation (Viriya).  Upon rightful practices, they would result to the levels of Lokiya (mundaneness/ worldliness) and Lokuttara (supramudane/ transcendence) which were the ultimate achievement in Buddhism.

3) From analyses, the Tapa in the Maṅgalatthadīpanī Canon could be adopted as the approach for life-development with both parties, i.e. 1) for monkhood, it was to engage in  (a) personal-life development, (b) development among the Upajjhāya (spiritual teachers) and master with students, (c) educational development, and (d) Dhamma dissemination and practices. At the same time, 2) for laymen, it was to engage in (a) personal-life development, (b) family development, (c) working development, and (d) social development. The goals of life-development through Tapa were to achieve the current goal (Diṭṭhadhammikattha), the forefront goal (Somparāyigaṭtha) and the ultimate goal (Paramattha).