초기불교의 해오(解悟)

Abstract

The word ‘enlightenment’ is originated from ‘to know(√budh)’. In Seon(禪) Buddhism enlightenment is regarded to have a dimension of understanding and experience. This paper tries to reveal how the same idea can be applicable to Early Buddhism. In the light of the following concepts, knowledge, understanding, point of view, and the level of view, there will be an analogical loophole in the understanding. The Brahmajāla-sutta points out that a single focus has its limitations. It is pointed out that there are limitations to the series of processes by which objects are recognised and interpreted. They do not grasp the actual phenomenon of experience as it is (yathā-bhūtaṃ viditvā). According to the Brahmajāla-sutta, Buddha’s teaching pointed out the problem of judgment by looking at only one aspect of things. It also pointed out that there is a need to pay attention to the moment when one’s feeling affects one’s views and distorts the reality. One’s understanding ability acts to satisfy one’s desires. Contrary to this, one’s understanding ability also acts to escape from the way that satisfies one’s desire. Therefore, to reach Nirvāna, one should cultivate one’s mind and recognize the limitations of one’s thinking. This is the way to achieve enlightenment by understanding methods in Early Buddhism.