초보수행자의 필수적 실천조항에 대한 연구 -Mettā-sutta와 ParamatthajotikāⅠ을 중심으로 -

Abstract

In early Buddhism, there are things that a beginning practitioner must do to ensure smooth practice. This is detailed in the first verse and annotations of the Mettā-sutta. However, most domestic translations have translated the first verse of the Mettā-sutta as an obligation of an already enlightened saint, not as a practice clause that a beginning practitioner must do. There has been little research on the annotations of the Mettā-sutta. Therefore, this study translated and considered the first verse of the Mettā-sutta and its related annotations. As a result, the following three points were derived. First, there are things that a beginning practitioner should and should not do if they are to achieve untroubled practice. There are three exercises which must be done. These exercises relate to the acquisition of ‘no illness’, ‘honesty’, and ‘diligent sincerity’. What should not be done is ‘the deviation of precepts’, ‘the deviation of view’, ‘the deviation of behavior’, and ‘the deviation of livelihood’. Next, there are things that must be done skillfully. In the com- mentary of the sutta these are explained to consist of a total of six distinct ways. These include the regulation of precepts and sensory organs, the cleanliness of precepts and means of livelihood, the ac- ceptance of dependent arising, reflection, and clear comprehension, as well as preparation of training and practice. Finally, there are two practice methodologies, one of which prioritizes practice and the other prioritizes study. The former refers to focusing on penetrating the state of nirvana through the practices of the Buddha and his followers. The latter refers to first learning through academic study that the state of nirvana is calm, and then practicing to achieve that state.