An Analytical Study of Suññata (Emptiness) in The Theravada Buddhist Scripture

Abstract

The research “An Analytical Study of Suññatā (emptiness) in the Theravada Buddhist scriptures has two main purposes:1) study the meaning of the suññatā and 2) to study the concept of the suññatā in the Tipitaka and the commentary. The results showed that the concept of the suññatā in the buddhist scriptures is focused on explaining as a guideline in ethical practice rather than as metaphysics. And the word suññatā or emptiness is used in multiple meanings depending on its implication and doctrinal context. Even in the same poetry, it can have different levels and meanings.

            In summary, the meaning of  suññatā  is fourfold: 1.The emptiness from self and the five aggregates, 2.The emptiness from passions, hatred, delusion and other defilements 3.The  deterioration , the extinction  and the disappearance something else instead, and  4. Nirvana