3.4.15

Lesson 3.4.15 Buddha-apadānaṃ – Buddha’s Instruction

This selection of texts about right speech concludes with three concise yet profound verses from the Apadānapāḷi, which illuminate sammāvācā, the first component of sīlakhanda (virtuous conduct). The term Apadāna signifies "deed," "heroic action," "tale," or "legend," thus translated as "life story" or the modern term "biography." The Apadānapāḷi itself is a vast collection of verses recounting the past and present lives of the Buddha (Buddhāpadānaṃ), Paccekabuddhas (Paccekabuddhāpadānaṃ), and renowned Elders like Sāriputta (Sāriputtattherāpadānaṃ), Mahāmoggallāna (Mahāmoggallānattherāpadānaṃ), Mahākassappa, Anuruddha, Upāli, and many other Theras (Therāpadānaṃ) and Theris (Theri-āpadānaṃ). Considered a later addition to the Khuddakanikāya, much like the Theragāthāpāḷi, Therīgāthāpāḷi, and Jātaka, the Apadāna distinguishes itself by emphasizing the unwavering resolve, steadfast determination, and fervent efforts of Arahants to achieve their aspirations. While those latter texts might detail historical, economic, and karmic backgrounds of the Buddha's past existences, the Apadāna serves as an inspiring model of spiritual accomplishment.