Elimination of Sammatipaatti in Theravda Buddhism

Abstract

The principles of Sammatipaññatti or convention and designation in Theravāda Buddhism are concerned with conventional truth and absolute truth.  The causes which lead to delusion in Sammatipaññatti are mental defilements  : ignorance, craving, wrong view, and the interaction between these three defilements. In addition, the results of delusion in Sammatipaññatti  can be found in two levels: firstly, levels of unnoble planes of existence ( Lokiya), and secondly,  levels of noble planes of existence (Lokuttara). The result at levels of unnoble planes of existence are wrong views from the truth called “Four Distortions” (Four Vipallāsas) and include : regarding what is impermanent is permanent (Niccavipallāsa) regarding what is painful as pleasant (Sukhavipallāsa) regarding what is foul as beautiful (Subhavipallāsa), and-regarding what is non-self as a self (Attavipallāsa).   The result at levels of noble planes of existence are unable to move the state of mind in dhamma or are able to move the state of mind in dhamma but yet slowly.

                     The method of elimination of Sammatipaññatti in Theravāda  Buddhism is used to eliminate  ignorance, craving and wrong view. This is to create and to develop wisdom by hearing the teachings from others (Paratoghosa) and thinking deeply and systematically (Yonisomanasikāra) about the four foundations of mindfulness

                          Other ways to eliminate Sammatipaññatti are knowing, understanding, accepting, using, resolving and letting go of Sammatipaññatti with principles in Theravāda Buddhism truly and suitably. The effect of eliminating Sammatipaññatti is (1) to understand conventional truth and absolute truth wholly and completely (2) to have a purified body, speech and mind leading to purity in the level of  unnoble planes of existence or the level of noble planes of existence.