The sub-commentaries (Pali: ṭīkā) are primarily commentaries on the commentaries (Pali: aṭṭhakathā) on the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism, written in Sri Lanka.[1] This literature continues the commentaries' development of the traditional interpretation of the scriptures. These sub-commentaries were begun during the reign of Parākramabāhu I (1123–1186) under prominent Sri Lankan scholars such as Sāriputta Thera, Mahākassapa Thera of Dimbulagala Vihāra and Moggallāna Thera.[2]
| Ṭīkā | |
|---|---|
| Type | Subcommentarial texts Paracanonical texts |
| Parent | Pāli literature |
| Commentary on | Aṭṭhakathā; Tipiṭaka |
| Abbreviation | -Ṭ; -ṭ |
Types of ṭīkā
editBased on their hierarchy, chronological period, and scope, ṭīkā are traditionally classified into several contrasting pairs:[3]
- Based on hierarchy
- Mūla-ṭīkā, the original or root sub-commentary.
- Anu-ṭīkā, the additional or subsequent sub-commentary (sub-sub-commentary), which further explains the mūla-ṭīkā itself.
- Based on chronology
- Porāṇa-ṭīkā or purāṇa-ṭīkā, the ancient sub-commentary (compiled during early periods).
- Abhinava-ṭīkā, the new or modern sub-commentary (compiled during later periods).
- Based on scope
- Mahā-ṭīkā, the great or large sub-commentary (broad and extensive).
- Cūḷa-ṭīkā, the minor or small sub-commentary (concise and compact).
References
edit- ↑ Griffiths, Paul J. (1994). On Being Buddha: The Classical Doctrine of Buddhahood. SUNY Press. pp. 33–34. ISBN 9780791421277.
- ↑ Perera, HR; Buddhism in Sri Lanka A Short History, Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, Sri Lanka, page
- ↑ Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Faculty (2016). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sowit Bamrungphak; Asst. Prof. Pipat Kongprasert (eds.). วรรณคดีบาลี ฉบับปรับปรุง [Pali Literature (Revised Edition)] (PDF) (in Thai) (2nd (Revised) ed.). Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. p. 77. ISBN 978-616-300-243-3.