The aim of this research is to study the change in the meaning of the word "Parami" (or Paramita as the word sometimes appears) in Theravada Buddhist texts composed in various periods. Two methods are used: etymological analysis of the word and semantic study of the word in different contexts. A conclusion is reached that at the beginning of the first period "Parami" meant highest position, or complete achievement in any undertaking e.g. in the study of the Vedas. Later onthe word came to mean excellence or completeness in the mastery of certain Buddhist teaching. In its narrowest sense the word signifies the highest aim of Buddhism namely nirvana. In the latest or the last period the meaning of "Parami" changed from the goal to the attained to the ten principles that would enable a person who practises them to reach it. At present this latest meaning is very popular among Buddhists especially in Thailand. The thesis is divided into seven chaters:- Chapter I : Introduction. This chapter deals with the origin of the problem, the aim of the research, the methods employed, the steps in the research, and the expected benefit. Chapter II : Etymological Analysis of the word. This chapter gives the different ways in which grammerians, traditional as well as modern (often western) ones, understood and explained the word "Parami." Chapter III : The Concept of Parami inthe Canonical Period. This chapter examines the use of "Parami" in different contexts in the canon (except Apadana, Buddhavamsa and Cariya pitaka which will be dealt with in chapter IV). In this period "Parami" meant mastery, completeness or the highest aim of religious practice. Chapter IV : The Concept of Parami in Apadana, Buddhavamsa and Cariya pitaka. This chapter examines the use of "Parami" in different contexts in the three books cited above. These three books are considered "new" as compared with other parts of the canon. In this period the meaning of the word "Parami" changed from the highest aim to the ten principles to be observed by those wishing to achieve the highest aim of Buddhism. This new meaning is very popular among Buddhists of the present day. Nevertheless, in these three books there exists the use of the word in its original sense (i.e. highest position, mastery of any subject). Chapter V : The concept of Parami in Non-canonical Books and Commentaries. In the non-canonical books studied in this chapter, the word "Parami" is used in the same sense as that in Chapter III. These books were, however, compiled or com-posed at a much later date. In the commentaries the word has the same meaning as that in the canonical books which the commentaries seek to explain in great detail. The commentary to Cariyapitaka explains minutely the ten parami. Chapter VI : The Concept of Parami in Thai Buddhist Literature and the Influence of this Concept on the Thai Culture. This chapter discusses the word "Parami" as used in Thai literature and in everyday language and the evolution of this concept in the Thai culture. Chapter VII : Conclusion and suggestions.
SUBJECT
พุทธศาสนาเถรวาท
บารมี
LOCATION
CALL#
STATUS
Thailand and ASEAN Information Center (6th Floor) : Rarebook Collection
