Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c12.563

v1.c12.563

**Kathāvatthu.**—The fifth of the seven books of the *Abhidhamma Pitaka*.¹ It seems to have been compiled when the contents of at least the *Dhammasangani*, the *Vibhanga* and *Patthāna* were already accepted as orthodox. Tradition ascribes its compilation to **Moggaliputta-Tissa** at the end of the Third Council, held under Asoka’s patronage, at **Pātaliputta**.² It was rejected by some on the ground that it was set forth two hundred and eighteen years after the Buddha’s death, and was hence only a disciple’s utterance; but the Commentaries take the view that the *mātikā*, the principles taught therein, were laid down by the Teacher himself, and that the whole work should be regarded as the utterance of the Buddha, just as the **Madhu-pindika Sutta**, preached really by **Mahā-Kaccāna**, is considered as the Buddha’s teaching. The book consists of twenty-three chapters, and is a collection of discussions (*kathā*) and refutations of the heretical views of various sects on matters connected with theology and philosophy. The Buddha’s authority is accepted as final.³