Sanditthiko

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

One key characteristic of Dhamma is ‘sanditthiko’. Translations of the term include, ‘directly visible’, ‘knowable’, ‘verifiable’ and ‘apparent here and now’. The Buddha illustrated its meaning with a statement: under the influence of defilement we think, speak and act in ways that lead to our own affliction and the affliction of others. With the abandonment of defilement we do not think, speak and act in such ways.

In other words, the Buddha’s teachings make verifiable statements about the human condition. These can and should be put to the test of experience. The Buddha did not simply present us with dogmas that give us only two choices: to accept them out of faith or reject them through lack of it. He challenged us.

In asserting that the Dhamma is verifiable, the Buddha was also asserting our capacity to verify it. His discovery of the untapped human potential for liberation from suffering was a turning point in the history of the human race.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.