[Solved] Who wrote Visuddhimagga? Buddhaghosa's Path of Purification

Who is the author of 'Visuddhimagga'?

[Chhattisgarh PCS (Pre) 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The 5th century CE was a significant period for the codification of Buddhist doctrine, particularly through the work of scholars in Sri Lanka who systematized the Pali Canon.

Authentic Source Evidence

Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification) was written by Buddhaghosa. It is considered the most important non-canonical text in Theravada Buddhism, providing a systematic summary of Buddhist teachings.

Analytical Breakdown

Option D is Correct: Buddhaghosa was a 5th-century scholar-monk based in the Mahavihara of Sri Lanka.

Logic 1: Nagarjuna (Option A) founded the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana.

Logic 2: Padmasambhava (Option B) is associated with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.

Logic 3: Vasubandhu (Option C) was a key figure in the Yogacara school.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What are the three sections of the Visuddhimagga?"

It is structured around Sila (Virtue), Samadhi (Concentration), and Panna (Wisdom).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Buddhaghosa's Visuddhimagga is the definitive handbook for Theravada meditation practices and remains the standard reference for clergy in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Pali Canon 6 Theravada 5

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