Digha Nikaya

Definition

The Digha Nikaya is one of the five main collections of texts in the Pali Canon, specifically containing a collection of long discourses attributed to the Buddha. It serves as a crucial source for understanding the teachings and doctrines of Theravada Buddhism, including moral principles, meditation practices, and philosophical discussions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Digha Nikaya contains 34 suttas that cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, philosophy, and meditation techniques.
2. It is one of the four primary nikayas in the Sutta Pitaka, along with the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
3. Some well-known suttas in the Digha Nikaya include the Brahmajala Sutta, which discusses various philosophical views and ethical conduct, and the Pubbabhaga Sutta, which delves into various meditative states.
4. The Digha Nikaya plays an essential role in preserving the oral traditions of early Buddhism and provides insight into the social and cultural context of the Buddha's time.
5. Many Buddhist practices today can trace their roots back to teachings found in the Digha Nikaya, demonstrating its lasting influence on modern Theravada Buddhism.

Review Questions

• How does the Digha Nikaya contribute to our understanding of key Buddhist concepts and practices?
  • The Digha Nikaya offers a comprehensive look at various Buddhist concepts such as ethics, meditation, and philosophical perspectives. By presenting long discourses attributed to the Buddha, it sheds light on his teachings and how they were applied in real-life situations. This collection helps us grasp fundamental principles of Theravada Buddhism and illustrates how they were conveyed to disciples and laypeople.
• In what ways does the structure of the Digha Nikaya enhance its role within the Pali Canon?
  • The Digha Nikaya's structure as one of the five main nikayas in the Sutta Pitaka highlights its importance in the Pali Canon. Its organization into long discourses allows for in-depth exploration of complex topics, making it a vital resource for understanding early Buddhist thought. The presence of different discourses on ethics and meditation also facilitates a comprehensive study of how these teachings interrelate within Theravada practices.
• Evaluate how specific teachings within the Digha Nikaya reflect the socio-cultural context of the Buddha's time and their impact on contemporary Theravada practices.
  • Specific teachings within the Digha Nikaya reflect issues prevalent during the Buddha's time, such as social hierarchies, ethical dilemmas, and communal harmony. These texts provide insights into how early Buddhists navigated their societal challenges while adhering to Buddhist principles. The relevance of these teachings can still be seen today as contemporary Theravada practices continue to emphasize ethical conduct, community engagement, and meditation techniques rooted in these ancient discourses.

Related terms

Pali Canon:

The Pali Canon is the standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, divided into three 'baskets' or sections: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Sutta: Sutta refers to the discourses or teachings attributed to the Buddha found within the Sutta Pitaka, which includes various collections like the Digha Nikaya.

Theravada Buddhism:

Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest surviving branches of Buddhism, focusing on the earliest teachings of the Buddha and emphasizing individual enlightenment through meditation and moral conduct.