Samma Ditthi

Samma ditthi is translated as "right view" or "right insight". It is a standing term from the eightfold path of Buddhism . Different teachers have different priorities when interpreting the term. However, there should be consensus that this means that the Dhamma  - i.e. the teachings of the Buddha  - is recognized as correct and trustworthy. But what is not enlightenment , but only the knowledge "the Buddha speaks the truth and following the exercises is healing for me and all beings."

The term is explained in the 9th Sutra of the Middle Collection, which is also called “right insight”.

The "right insight"

It is to be recognized what is wholesome and what is unwholesome, and the causes thereof.

Unwholesome is killing, stealing, abuse of sexuality, unchastity, lying, slander, scolding, gossiping, greed, malice, wrong view, clouding and intoxication of the mind. The roots of unwholesome seeds are greed, hatred, and delusion.

Non-killing, non-stealing, chastity, etc. are beneficial . The root of salvation is to be free from the three spiritual poisons: greed, hate and delusion.

At first glance it looks like a paradox to say that right insight is when one has no wrong ideas. This paradox can only be resolved by looking at the roots and addressing them: greed, hatred, and delusion. So morality is not given and justified by a higher authority in the form of a god and his laws. Wisdom and compassion and free moral action arise solely through the “vision of being and self” and liberation from the “I-am-delusion”.

literature

• Fritz Schäfer: Right view and its meaning in the original teaching of the Buddha. Beyerlein & Steinschulte Verlag, 2008. ISBN 978-3-931095-76-5
• Raimund Beyerlein (Ed.): The Buddha and his teaching - eleven contributions to right view. Verlag Beyerlein & Steinschulte, 2002. ISBN 3-931095-26-6

Web links

• Sammāditthi Sutta as translated by Neumann