Dhātavatthadīpaka: Transliteration Translation and Analysis

Abstract

This dissertation aims at objectives: (1) to study the historical background, authorship, structure, and content of Dhātavatthadīpaka scripture, (2) to transliterate Dhātavatthadīpaka from the original Burmese Pali script into Thai Pali script and translate it into Thai, and (3) to analyze Dhātavatthadīpaka scripture in terms of grammar, prosody, adornment, and its value towards studying Buddhist teachings by using qualitative research methods based on document analysis, compilation, and presentation of information.

             The research findings indicate that the author was a Burmese monk Aggadhamma Thera. Dhātavatthadīpaka scripture contains a total of 1,189 terms. Its structure is divided into 3 parts: (1) The introduction, or Khanthārambhakathā, found in verse 1, (2) its main content, divided into five chapters, found in verses 2-330, and (3) The conclusion or Nigamanakathā, found in verses 331-332.  The original manuscript of Dhātavatthadīpaka was published in Pali using Burmese script. The translator has transcribed it into Pali using Thai script, translated it into Thai, and revised it by comparing with the Saddanītipakaraṇa and Dhātumālā, authored by Aggavamsa Thera, as well as the Saddanīti Dhātumālā translated and revised by Somdet Phra Buddhajinawong Uppasamma Mahathera, the Dhātavatsaṃgahapathanisaya authored by Visuddhachara Mahathera, and the Pali Tipitaka. The Dhātavatthadīpaka summarizes essential grammar from Saddaniti Pakarana, Moggallāna-Vyākarana, Patharūpasiddhipakaraṇa, and Bālāvatāra. These scriptures are composed in the Anuṭaṭhubhāchanda with 8 syllables and contains a total of 22 types of verses:  1 Pathyāvatta group, 5 Nkaravipulā groups, 3 Skaravipulā groups, 3 Bhkaravipulā groups, and 2 Tkaravipulā groups. In addition, it also incorporates six types of linguistic embellishments: Pasādaguna, Madhuratāguna, Sukhumālātaguna, Aṭṭhabyattiguna, Ojāguna, and Silesaguna. Furthermore, this scripture is also valuable towards studying Buddhist teachings as it facilitates an accurate understanding of the elements and their meanings. This accurate comprehension of the Buddha’s words aids in ensuring that Dharma practice is free from errors and misunderstandings.