Grammatical Analysis
Pariyatti: [f.] The scriptures; theoretical learning; mastery of the texts. Derived from prefix pari (around, complete) + root āp (to attain, master). Literally “that which has been thoroughly learned.”
Orthodox Definition
Pariyatti is the first of the three pillars of the True Dhamma (saddhamma). It refers to the massive corpus of the Buddha’s teachings as preserved in the Tipiṭaka (Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma), as well as the scholarly effort required to memorize, recite, study, and accurately translate these texts.
Historically in Theravāda, there was a profound debate on whether Pariyatti (study) or Paṭipatti (practice) was more important for the survival of the religion. The orthodox conclusion was that Pariyatti is the absolute foundation. The commentaries state that without the map provided by scriptural study, meditation practice wanders blindly. Therefore, the preservation of the texts is considered the most vital duty of the Saṅgha.
However, the Buddha warned against studying the Dhamma merely to win debates or gain fame (the “snake-catcher” simile), insisting that Pariyatti must only be used as a raft for liberation.
Textual References
- Sutta: Alagaddūpama Sutta (MN 22) – The simile of catching a snake; learning the texts for the wrong reasons leads to harm, while learning them for liberation leads to safety.
- Canonical: Milindapañha – Explaining how the texts act as the repository of the Buddha’s authority.
- Commentary: Manorathapūraṇī – The historical debate establishing the primacy of study for the preservation of the dispensation.