From previous chapters, data showed that a number of people have come to the Buddha and asked questions. Some of these questions nature is metaphysical. It is beyond the scope of conjecture. Still, these questions are put at the Buddha by various people. Does this indicates that the interlocutors thinks the Buddha know everything? Was he omniscient?
Although, the term omniscience is a prominent feature that is attributed to the Buddha and other founders of some religions. However, it nature is very ambiguous. During the Buddha’s time, the concept of omniscience varies in different traditions/religions. For example, in the Vedas, omniscience (sarvajña) is refer to the gods such as Agni, Indra, and Soma. In the Upaniṣhad omniscience is used to describe Atman/Brahman. As the Brihadāranyaka Upaniṣhad (IV 5.6) stated, “When the Self has been… known, then all… is known.” In Jainism omniscience …show more content…
This section main argument will primarily focus on dialogues between the Buddha and his interlocutor, thus, highlighting the perspective of omniscience from both parties—especially the categorical answer of the Buddha. To do the above, first, I will investigate and discusses on the Indian concept of “sarvajña” or “sabbaññu” from the standpoint of Veda, Upanishads, and Jainism. Second, I will provide my interpretation to the subject matter of what the Buddha said: a) looking at early Buddhist Suttas which might indicate that the Buddha is omniscient, b) provides some evidence that suggests the Buddha is not all-knowing, and c) examines the Tevijjavacchagotta Sutta (MN 71) and Kaṇṇakatthala Sutta (MN 90) to see what and how the Buddha actually spoken regarding this topic sabbaññu. Here, I would consider the Buddha’s answer to this issue with “reservation.” In addition, scholarly work will be included to further assess the Buddha’s
Although, the term omniscience is a prominent feature that is attributed to the Buddha and other founders of some religions. However, it nature is very ambiguous. During the Buddha’s time, the concept of omniscience varies in different traditions/religions. For example, in the Vedas, omniscience (sarvajña) is refer to the gods such as Agni, Indra, and Soma. In the Upaniṣhad omniscience is used to describe Atman/Brahman. As the Brihadāranyaka Upaniṣhad (IV 5.6) stated, “When the Self has been… known, then all… is known.” In Jainism omniscience …show more content…
This section main argument will primarily focus on dialogues between the Buddha and his interlocutor, thus, highlighting the perspective of omniscience from both parties—especially the categorical answer of the Buddha. To do the above, first, I will investigate and discusses on the Indian concept of “sarvajña” or “sabbaññu” from the standpoint of Veda, Upanishads, and Jainism. Second, I will provide my interpretation to the subject matter of what the Buddha said: a) looking at early Buddhist Suttas which might indicate that the Buddha is omniscient, b) provides some evidence that suggests the Buddha is not all-knowing, and c) examines the Tevijjavacchagotta Sutta (MN 71) and Kaṇṇakatthala Sutta (MN 90) to see what and how the Buddha actually spoken regarding this topic sabbaññu. Here, I would consider the Buddha’s answer to this issue with “reservation.” In addition, scholarly work will be included to further assess the Buddha’s