Analyzing the Doctrine of Self-development of Attavagga in the Dhammapada

Abstract

This article aims to study 1) the meaning and key points of the Attavagga in the Dhammapada, and 2) to analyze the teachings on self-development in the Attavagga section of the Dhammapada. The Dhammapada is a document-based and descriptive study. The research findings reveal that “Dhammapada” means “verses of Dhamma” or “Dhamma spoken in verses,” referring to short aphorisms spoken by the Buddha at different times, places, and to different individuals. There are total of 423 verses divided into 26 sections. The Attavagga, or the section on self, focuses on worldly matters. The teachings on self-development in the Attavagga consist of 10 key points, including: 1) heedfulness, 2) self-instruction, 3) self-reliance, 4) confidence in the law of karma, and 5) taking advantage. The knowledge gained from this article concerns with understanding the self-development principles of self-responsibility, self-cultivation before teaching others, Kamma and self-purification, self-care and self-protection, and potential for self-transformation.