Grammatical Analysis
Kathāvatthu: [nt.] Points of Controversy; Subjects of Discussion. Formed by kathā (talk, discussion, controversy) + vatthu (base, subject, matter).
Orthodox Definition
The Kathāvatthu is the fifth book of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka. It is totally unique in the Canon because it was not spoken by the Buddha, but was compiled by Venerable Moggaliputtatissa during the Third Buddhist Council (under Emperor Ashoka) roughly 200 years after the Parinibbāna. (Orthodoxy maintains the Buddha provided the original matrix for the book, foreseeing the heresies).
The text is a massive manual of formal logic and debate. It documents over 200 doctrinal controversies that had arisen among early Buddhist sects (such as the Puggalavādins, who believed in a subtle self, or the Mahāsāṅghikas, who believed Arahats could have wet dreams).
Using strict deductive logic, the Theravāda representative forces the opponent to admit contradictions in their own views. The Kathāvatthu formally solidifies the Theravāda/Mahāvihāra doctrinal boundaries against all other early Buddhist schools.
Textual References
- Canonical: Puggalakathā (The Controversy on the Person) – The longest and most important debate in the book, systematically destroying the personalist heresy that a “self” exists in a real and ultimate sense.
- Commentary: Kathāvatthu-aṭṭhakathā – Absolutely vital, as the canonical text does not explicitly name the opposing sects; the commentary identifies exactly which heretical school is being debated in each chapter.