Visuddhimagga
The Visuddhimagga purports to be a summary of the whole of the Sutta Piṭaka as understood by the MahāVihāra tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. The Name means ‘Path of Purification.’ The book was written by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE and takes as its schema the seven purification's (satta Visuddhi) taught by The Buddha in the Rathavinīta Sutta (M.I,145). The Visuddhimagga’s approach to Spiritual practice is theoretical and Abhidhamma-based rather than practical.
The Visuddhimagga purports to be a summary of the whole of the Sutta Pitaka as understood by the Mahàvihara tradition of Theravada Buddhism.
The name means 'Path of Purification.’ The book was written by Buddhaghosa in the 4th century CE and takes as its schema the seven purifications (satta visuddhi) taught by the Buddha in the Rathavinãta Sutta (M.I,145). The Visuddhimagga’s approach to spiritual practice is more a theoretical abhidhamma one than a practical one.
The Visuddhimagga or The Path of Purification, is a Theravada Buddhist commentary written by Buddhaghosa approximately in 430 CE in Sri Lanka. It is considered the most important Theravada text outside of the Tipitaka canon of scriptures. The Visuddhimagga is a systematic examination and condensation of Buddhist Doctrine and Meditation technique. The various teachings of The Buddha found throughout the Pali canon are organized in a clear, comprehensive Path leading to the final goal of Nibbana, the state of complete Purification.
Originally composed in the fifth century, this new translation provides English speakers insights into this foundational text. In the course of this treatise full and detailed instructions are given on 40 subjects of Meditation aimed at Concentration, an elaborate account of Buddhist Abhidhamma philosophy, and explicit descriptions of the stages of Insight culminating in final Liberation.
The Path of Purification, trans. Bhikkhu Nāṇamoli, 1964.
