Points of Controversy (Volumes 1-5) (論事)

About 論事

Source text translated by 郭哲彰

191,255 · about 638 min

The *Kathāvatthu* is a significant treatise within the Pāli Canon of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, included in the Abhidhamma Piṭaka. Traditionally attributed to the Elder Moggaliputta Tissa during the lifetime of the Buddha, its final form was established around the 3rd century BCE during the reign of King Aśoka. The primary content of this text is presented in a debate format. Employing a five-part method of establishing one's own position and refuting opposing views, it systematically critiques over two hundred different doctrines held by contemporary Buddhist schools such as the Mahāsāṅghika, comprehensively expounding the orthodox teachings of the Theravāda. The *Kathāvatthu* is a core text for researching the similarities and differences among the schools of Buddhism after the initial schism and for understanding the development of early Buddhist doctrine. It possesses immense historical and philosophical value and is a key work for comprehending the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the debates among the early schools.