| Summary: | 碩士 === 華梵大學 === 東方人文思想研究所 === 96 === Abstract
The topic of this thesis is mainly based on the SaMyutta NikAya of the Southern Buddhism, the Saṃyukta Agama of the Chinese Buddhism, and other scriptures regarding the Blessed One’s teachings on the liberation through realization of nonself.
Owing to using the contrast between the two texts mentioned above, differences are naturally found.Therefore, I have to explain the differences. In this way, the theory and literature in the thesis is displayed at the same time. Now let me explain the theory as follows first.
1.The attachment to self is the main cause of craving and transmigration (saMsAra): It is often said in the canon－“This transmigration without discoverable beginning. A first point is not discerned of beings roaming and wandering on hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving.” In general, as we know, the ignorance and craving makes beings transmigrate continuously, but after study, the writer finds that the main cause leading to ignorance and craving is the attachment to self. If one has it, one will always think that self and everything is eternal. And self is equal to craving. Not only does one crave for self, but also one craves for external things. Thereupon, in order to satisfy oneself, one always thinks egoistically, being greedy to the extent that one does evil deeds. Therefore, the attachment to self is the main cause leading to craving, grasping, suffering, transmigration, and the source leading to conflicts among people and nations.
2. The doctrine of non-self: In order to cure beings of distorted views, the Blessed One puts forward the doctrine of non-self. Only when sentient beings realize the doctrine of non-self do they not crave, cling, and do evil any more. Only then, the perturbation of mind and body will settle down, a peaceful society will be created, the mind will be liberated from taints by non-clinging, and one will be liberated by wisdom (paJJAvimutti) at last.
3. The way of practice leading to liberation by realization of non-self: It is often said in the canon that the way of practice for liberation by realization of non-self is the Noble Eightfold Path (i.e. discipline, concentration, wisdom), restraint in sense doors, and the four establishments of mindfulness in every day life. Only through daily development of discipline, concentration, and wisdom, restraints in sense doors, and contemplation of body, feeling, mind, and phenomenal, the liberation by realization of non-self may come true. Indeed, attachment to self is rooted so deeply that it is difficult to eradicate. No matter which one, stream-enterer (sotApanna) in the beginning, once-returner (sakadAgAmin) in the second, or nonreturner(anAgAmin) awaking to the arahantship at the end, they are all hindered by the attachment to self (from a shallow view of self to a deep self-conceit). Therefore, as long as one strives to practice everyday, one will understand that everything is impermanent, changeable, not worthy of being craved and clung. In this way, one will finally acquire the liberation by realization of non-self.
4. Comparison of Saṃyutta Nikāya and Saṃyukta-āgama: When the teachings are different, I will explain the reason; when they are the same, I will explain only the theory. Also,I will give a list of the differences between the two texts as an appendix, and count the percentage concerning the same part of the two.
【Key Words】：
self, craving, non-self, Noble Eightfold Paths, restraint in sense doors, four foundations of mindfulness,stream-enterer, once-returner, nonreturner, arahant, view of self, self-conceit, liberation.
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