History of Upacāra

Abstract

The academic article titled “The History of Upacāra” examines and organizes data from the commentaries, sub-commentaries, and Yojana texts, categorizing the development of Upacāra over time and presenting it in a descriptive and analytical format. The study showed that Upacāra is a method of interpreting Buddhist teachings, likely developed by the Mahāvihāra elder Bhikkhus in its initial stages. It aimed to explain indirect teachings or Neyyattha and address criticisms that Buddhist doctrines were irrational. Over time, later elder monks expanded Upacāra into various forms based on the principle of ‘referring to one thing while intending another.’ Currently, Upacāra is categorized into 13 forms: Kāraṇūpacāra or referring to the cause but meaning the effect, Phalūpacāra or referring to the effect but meaning the cause, Thānūpacāra or referring to the base but meaning the residents, Abhedūpacāra or referring to indistinguishable things as if they are different, Sadisūpacāra or referring to the simile but meaning the object of comparison, Guṇūpacāra or referring to qualities but meaning the one possessing them, Ekadesūpacāra or referring to a part but meaning the whole, Samīpūpacāra or  referring to proximity but meaning what is nearby, Taddhammūpacāra  or referring to the non-existent as if it exists, Bhedūpacāra or referring to different things as if they are identical, Ekadesayūpacāra or referring to the whole but meaning only a part, Samīpayūpacāra or referring to something near but meaning the nearby location, Guṇayūpacāra or referring to a person possessing qualities but meaning the qualities themselves. Understanding Upacāra enhances one’s comprehension of Buddhist teachings in a profound and comprehensive manner, ultimately facilitating the practice of the Dhamma to attain the ultimate goal of Nibbāna.