AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SUÑÑATA IN THE TIPITAKA
Jutapak Harirakthanrong
Krisna Taruno
Abstract
The objectives of this study were 1) to study and (2) to analyze the teaching of Suññatã in Tipitaka. Data were collected from Tipitaka Mahachulalongkornrajaviddhalaya 1996 edition, and documents, texts, books, research studies, and dissertations related to Buddhism. The collected data were analyzed, synthesized, interpreted, and summarized to extract the core concept on value of Buddhism Dharma for the most effective application. The results showed that the main idea of the teaching of Suññatã was concerned with the five aggregates: form, feelings, perceptions, mental activity or formations, and consciousness (89 kinds), as well as the Pañiccasamuppàda or dependent origination. The teaching of Pañiccasamuppàda stated that all things happen upon other things, for example, suffering occurred by subsequent factors: ignorance, mental formations, consciousness, ‘Name’ and ‘Form’, six senses, contact, feelings, desire, attachment, existence, birth, and all sufferings. Hence, if the ignorance is extinguished, all the other causes of sufferings are also extinguished. Moreover, the results also revealed that the teaching of Suññatã can be applied in daily life. The teaching pointed out the goal of Dharma practices toward the enlightenment. As a result, the person who practices Dharma and follows this teaching is going to get a better understanding of Suññatã Nirvana in that the only existence is emptiness.
Keywords : Suññata, five aggregates; empty world; inexistence.
