Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c8.38

c8.38

In form also the sutta shows early traits: it is a dialogue containing a sermon enlivened by “similes” (Pali-upamā) and free from exaggeration. It is true that it describes the Four Jhānas in a formular and schematic form, but it has to be remembered that the doctrine of ‘Jhāna’ probably belonged to the original mandate itself and consequently must have engaged the attention of system-makers very early. Besides, within the four prose Nikāyas, at any rate, an earlier stage of this doctrine is hardly to be found. The same remarks apply to the formula of the three vijjās although it must be remembered that the present sutta does not contain the exact formula.