Metaphorical Teachings in Buddhism

Abstract

Metaphorical teachings in Buddhism refer to the use of figures of speech to explain the Dhamma through two comparative principles – Dhammadhitthana and Puggaladhitthana. Dhammadhitthana is called Uppama which means abstract, whereas Puggaladhitthana is called Uppamai which means concrete objects. These kinds of teaching have enjoyed success in both mundane and transcendental levels, and is applicable at present in describing, preaching, and answer questions pertaining to Buddhism. This teaching can be found in 3 eras: during the Buddha’s lifetime, in early Buddhism, as well as in the Sangha era in Thai Buddhist society. The Lord Buddha employed this teaching method from the very beginning of Buddhism, and monks since the Buddha’s lifetime have used this method in the propagation of Buddhism until the present. During His lifetime, the Lord Buddha utilized metaphorical teachings by drawing comparisons between events or common knowledge in everyday life with the Dhamma. In early Buddhism, monks employed this method in their disputes over the Dhamma’s content in their propagation and protection of the teachings. In the Sangha era in Thai society, monks have used the metaphorical method in combination with examples, with supporting documents, through comparisons of the Dhamma with the teachings of other religions and philosophies, as well as with sociological, scientific, and psychological views. Monks would refer to words of the Buddha in the Tripitaka and use the metaphorical method to draw comparisons with present-day situations appropriate for the audience. This method is also used in the study of the Threefold Training, beginning from family stories to nirvana. It is also used in combination with rhetoric through both the Thai and Pali languages.