Vijjādhammakāya: Presentation of the essential elements and core doctrines through the translation of its five primary texts

Abstract

This dissertation aims to contribute significant knowledge in particular to the field of Buddhist Studies regarding ‘Vijjādhammakāya (abbr., Vd)’ taught by Sot Chanthasaro Bhikkhu (1884-1959 CE) in Thailand which had been thought to be lost some time 500 years after the Buddha passing. As its method of meditation teachings diverges from what is now considered orthodox Theravada teaching on meditation, it is sometimes considered as the esoteric meditation within the mainstream tradition. The core doctrines of Vd have not been subjected to academic study before. This therefore research focuses on presenting its core doctrines and other important elements utilizing the translation into English of its five primary pedagogical texts: the Path and Result (Thang Mak Phon), Manual of the Abbot (Khumue Somphan) and Extraordinary Path and Result Volume 1-3, complied during the lifetime of its founder. Due to the vast amount of material and limitation of space and time a systematic comparison of Vd doctrines with traditional Theravada Buddhism has been beyond the scope of this thesis. For the same reasons, the translation is presented in an English version only.