Grammatical Analysis
Samantapāsādikā: [f.] The All-Pleasing; The Completely Illuminating. Formed by samanta (all around, completely) + pāsādika (pleasing, inspiring confidence, illuminating).
Orthodox Definition
The Samantapāsādikā is the monumental, primary commentary (Aṭṭhakathā) on the entire Vinaya Piṭaka. It was compiled and translated into Pali by Venerable Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE at the Mahāvihāra in Sri Lanka, drawing upon much older Sinhalese commentaries (such as the Mahā-aṭṭhakathā).
It is arguably the most important legal document in Theravāda monasticism. Because the canonical Vinaya rules are brief and ancient, they cannot account for every possible nuance of human behavior. The Samantapāsādikā provides the definitive, orthodox case law, establishing the exact boundaries of offenses and procedures. If a modern monastic dispute arises, the ruling of the Samantapāsādikā is treated as the final, absolute authority on what constitutes an offense.
Textual References
- Subject Matter: Comments comprehensively on the Suttavibhaṅga, the Khandhaka, and the Parivāra.
- Historical Significance: Its famous introduction (Bāhiranidāna) provides a detailed history of the First, Second, and Third Buddhist Councils, and the arrival of Mahinda in Sri Lanka.