Classical Theravada Theology

Exploring the Dhamma, as understood from the perspective of the ancient Pali commentaries.
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nathan
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Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:11 am

Classical Theravada Theology

Post by nathan »

How does classical Theravada structure it's thinking about divinities and divine realms? What are the correct attitudes for a disciple to adopt towards these kinds of beings and realms? Does this thinking qualify it as a theology or not?
But whoever walking, standing, sitting, or lying down overcomes thought, delighting in the stilling of thought: he's capable, a monk like this, of touching superlative self-awakening. § 110. {Iti 4.11; Iti 115}
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Dhammanando
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Location: Mae Wang Huai Rin, Li District, Lamphun

Re: Classical Theravada Theology

Post by Dhammanando »

Hi Nathan,
nathan wrote:What are the correct attitudes for a disciple to adopt towards these kinds of beings and realms?
I haven't time to write anything now, but the Buddha's teaching on the three adhipateyyas (self, world and the Dhamma) is a good place to start:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu
Yena yena hi maññanti,
tato taṃ hoti aññathā.


In whatever way they conceive it,
It turns out otherwise.
(Sn. 588)
nathan
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Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:11 am

Re: Classical Theravada Theology

Post by nathan »

Another good introductory essay is:
Buddhism and the God-idea by Nyanaponika Thera
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... didea.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Is there a Theravada Abhidhamma version of this kind of T'ien T'ai chart?
The Realm of Heaven - A Map
http://www.tientai.net/teachings/dharma ... venmap.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
But whoever walking, standing, sitting, or lying down overcomes thought, delighting in the stilling of thought: he's capable, a monk like this, of touching superlative self-awakening. § 110. {Iti 4.11; Iti 115}
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kc2dpt
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Re: Classical Theravada Theology

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http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dham ... /loka.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Peter

Be heedful and you will accomplish your goal.
Ontheway
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Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Classical Theravada Theology

Post by Ontheway »

A good series of videos on this topic:

Kamavacara realms



Mara



Rupavacara realms



Arupavacara realms



Asura (Pubbadevata) realm
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Red Belly
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Joined: Sun May 23, 2021 2:07 pm

Re: Classical Theravada Theology

Post by Red Belly »

In addition to the above video series (which is quite marvelous), I would recommend taking a look at Ajahn Punnadhammo's book, Buddhist Cosmology. It is very helpful, and a mine of information on this subject.

https://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Cosmos- ... 415&sr=1-1
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