The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c8.s8.14

c8.s8.14

The other word, dharma, presents some difficulties. Does it mean “the Law, the Doctrine, Buddhist Scriptures”, or does it signify “things, phenomena”? L. de la Vallée Poussin and M. Anesaki approve of the latter interpretation.308 T. W. Rhys Davids and W. Stede translate: “Investigation of Doctrine” (Pāli Dicy., s.v.); and Lord Chalmers and R. O. Franke agree with them.309 The Lal. V. states that this bodhy-aṅga helps a bodhisattva to fulfil the whole dharma.310 Vasubandhu teaches that this bodhy-aṅga dispels all causes of doubt and uncertainty,311 and enables a bodhisattva to preach the dharma effectively.312 Such passages seem to prove that dharma in the name of this bodhy-aṅga means “Doctrine, Scripture”, and not “phenomena or things”. E. R. J. Gooneratne thinks that it refers only to the four Truths.313 But this interpretation is perhaps too narrow. “Dharma” includes all that has been uttered and taught by the Buddha. The teaching of the Buddha has been divided into twelve sections and sub-divisions: 314 sūtra (discourses), geya (mixed verse and prose), vyākaraṇa (expository answers), gāthā (poems), udāna (solemn or triumphant utterances), ityukta (quotations), avadāna (edifying stories), jātaka (birth-stories), vaipulya (extended treatises or longer texts), adbhuta-dharma (tales of wonder, miracles) and upadeça (treatises on esoteric ritual). These twelve categories of Scripture are collectively described as dharma-pravacana (exposition of the Doctrine). An earlier list mentions only nine items and omits nidāna, avadāna and itivṛttaka (ityukta).315 A bodhisattva gains several advantages from the study and investigation of the Doctrine. He develops all the elements of his personality and experiences sublime happiness at the hour of death. He is reborn according to his desire and always remembers his past existences. He associates with the Buddhas and hears the Doctrine preached by them. He is protected by magic spells, acquires Wisdom, Faith and Concentration, and finally attains Enlightenment.316