Digha Nikaya
Introduction
The Digha Nikaya, also known as the "Long Discourses" of the Buddha, is a collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It is one of the five Nikayas or collections in the Sutta Pitaka, which is one of the "three baskets" that compose the Pali Canon, the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.
Structure and Contents
The Digha Nikaya consists of 34 long discourses, divided into three vaggas or divisions: the Silakkhandha-vagga, the Maha-vagga, and the Patika-vagga. Each of these discourses is a sutta, a discourse of the Buddha or one of his major disciples.
Silakkhandha-vagga
The Silakkhandha-vagga (Division Concerning Morality) contains 13 suttas. These discourses primarily deal with the ethical and moral dimensions of the path to Nirvana, including the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path and the observance of moral precepts.
Maha-vagga
The Maha-vagga (Great Division) consists of 10 suttas. These discourses cover a wide range of topics, including the life of the Buddha, the practice of meditation, and the nature of reality. Among the most famous of these suttas is the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, which describes the final days and death of the Buddha.
Patika-vagga
The Patika-vagga (Patika Division) contains 11 suttas. These discourses deal with various philosophical and metaphysical topics, including the nature of the self and the universe, the workings of karma and rebirth, and the attainment of enlightenment.
Significance
The Digha Nikaya is highly regarded in the Theravada tradition for its comprehensive and detailed exposition of the Buddha's teachings. It provides a rich source of material for the study of early Buddhism, offering insights into the Buddha's worldview and the spiritual practices he advocated.
Translation and Interpretation
The Digha Nikaya has been translated into English and several other languages. The most widely used English translation is by Maurice Walshe, published by the Pali Text Society. Interpretation of the texts requires a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and philosophical context of early Buddhism.