Makna Semantik dan Simbolisme dalam Teks Agama Buddha: Kajian Hermeneutik terhadap Konsep Dukkha dalam Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

Dody Dody; Hesti Sadtyadi

doi:10.61132/jbpab.v2i2.1824

Authors

Dody Dody Sekolah Tinggi Agama Buddha Negeri Raden Wijaya Wonogiri
Hesti Sadtyadi Sekolah Tinggi Agama Buddha Negeri Raden Wijaya Wonogiri

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61132/jbpab.v2i2.1824

Keywords:

Buddhism, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, Dukkha, Four Noble Truths, Hermeneutics

Abstract

This study explores the semantic dimensions and symbolic meanings found in Buddhist religious texts by applying a hermeneutic analysis to the concept of dukkha in the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. Commonly translated as suffering, dukkha carries broader existential implications, such as dissatisfaction, impermanence, and the inherent unsatisfactory nature of existence. Employing a qualitative hermeneutic approach combined with semantic and semiotic analysis, the research identifies three interconnected layers of meaning within dukkha: the literal level, referring to physical and mental suffering; the contextual level, which reflects the human existential condition; and the spiritual level, where dukkha becomes a gateway toward liberation. The results indicate that a nuanced understanding of the semantic richness of dukkha is crucial for a deeper comprehension of the Four Noble Truths as the core framework of Buddhist doctrine. This study contributes to interdisciplinary discourse among linguistics, religious studies, and Buddhist practice, emphasizing that sacred language functions not only to convey doctrine but also to encourage inner reflection and spiritual transformation.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Analayo, B. (2013). Dukkha. In A. L. C. Runehov & L. Oviedo (Eds.), Encyclopedia of sciences and religions (pp. 641–642). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_1616

Collins, S. (1982). Selfless persons: Imagery and thought in Theravāda Buddhism. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511621499

Gadamer, H.-G. (1975). Truth and method (J. Weinsheimer & D. G. Marshall, Trans.). Seabury Press.

Gethin, R. (1998). The foundations of Buddhism. Oxford University Press.

Herat, M. (Ed.). (2018). Buddhism and linguistics: Theory and philosophy. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67413-1

Katz, J. J., & Fodor, J. A. (1963). The structure of a semantic theory. Language, 39(2), 170–210. https://doi.org/10.2307/411200

Levinson, S. C. (1983). Pragmatics. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511813313

Ñāṇamoli, B., & Bodhi, B. (Trans.). (1995). The middle length discourses of the Buddha: A new translation of the Majjhima Nikāya. Wisdom Publications.

Ñāṇamoli, B., & Bodhi, B. (Trans.). (2000). The connected discourses of the Buddha: A translation of the Saṃyutta Nikāya. Wisdom Publications.

Peirce, C. S. (1955). Philosophical writings of Peirce (J. Buchler, Ed.). Dover Publications.

Ricoeur, P. (1976). Interpretation theory: Discourse and the surplus of meaning. Texas Christian University Press.

Sujato, Bhikkhu (Trans.). (2018). Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11). SuttaCentral. https://suttacentral.net/sn56.11/en/sujato

Teasdale, J. D., & Chaskalson, M. (2011). How does mindfulness transform suffering? II: The transformation of dukkha. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 103–124. https://doi.org/10.1080/14639947.2011.564826

Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Trans.). (1997). Dhammapada. Access to Insight. https://www.accesstoinsight.org

Thurman, R. A. F. (1978). Buddhist hermeneutics. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 46(1), 19–39. https://doi.org/10.1093/jaarel/XLVI.1.19

Walshe, M. (Trans.). (1987). The long discourses of the Buddha: A translation of the Dīgha Nikāya. Wisdom Publications.

Warder, A. K. (2000). Indian Buddhism (3rd ed.). Motilal Banarsidass.

Wynne, A. (2004). The oral transmission of the early Buddhist literature. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, 27(1), 97–128.