A Study of The Perfection in Cultivation and Enlightenment of Nālakathera

Abstract

This thesis had three objectives; (1) to study the enlightenment in the Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, (2) to study of cultivation and perfection in the Theravada Buddhist scriptures, (3) to study of cultivation and perfection in enlightenment of Venerable Nalakathera. Data were collected from the Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, the Tipitaka, the commentaries, the sub-commentaries, and other related documents, clarified, analyzed, composed and explained in details and verified by the Buddhist experts. From the study it was found that;

Enlightenment means realization of the truth which was four noble truths. This realization leaded to obtain Noble One or Ariyapuggala who attained path (Magga), fruit (Phala) and Nibbana who released from all suffering by following the thirty seven enlightenment factors in Buddhism called as Bodhipakkhiyadhamma. The Enlightenment of each disciple was different according to the cultivation and perfection since in the past. Some of Noble disciple got enlightenment through just listening in front of Buddha, some through hard practice but all must gain insight knowledge.

The perfection in Theravada Buddhism had two meanings; one was the objective of dhamma practice, another was the way of practice to attain the goal which was the cessation of all defilements or Arahantship. There were ten perfections with three levels; ordinary, superior, supreme perfection so total amount was thirty perfections. It also had been divided into two types; 1) Perfection of Bodhisatta, 2) Perfection of disciples. In the first case, those who wished be next Buddha must cultivate full thirty perfections as the Buddha while the second needed only making wishes in front of previous Buddha to fulfillment of perfection as Arahantaship.

Venerable Nalakathera was nephew of Asitatapasa waiting for the enlightenment of Buddha as per the command of his uncle-Asitatapasa. Since then he had cultivated his perfection and trained faculties waiting for teaching of Buddha. Later he heard from deities and man that the Buddha had announced the noble truth to the world. Then he went to the Isipatanamarueggatayawan after seventh day preaching the first sermon of Buddha. He inquired about the noble practice of great sage from Buddha. Then he asked for ordination. After ordained he practiced three contentment; 1) Contentment of seeing,  2) Contentment of listening, 3) Contentment of questioning. Venerable Nalakathera had seriously practiced the great sage’s path or Moneyyapatipada to achieve Arahantship. Finally he was the only one Arahant who practiced “Moneyyapatipada” supremely with intent exertion and being recognized as Asitimahasavaka or eighty noble disciples of Buddha. Even he was not granted any excellency by Buddha but he was praised as “Ariyutamaguna” who hold the great supreme virtue of practice.