Five major structural themes 造論五綱

As regards the five major structural themes used when teaching or explaining a text, Vasubandhu said:

Those who wish to teach the meaning of the sutras,

Should be given a few words of practical advice.

The practical instruction I refer to is as follows:

Relate the teaching’s purpose and its basic theme,

The meaning of the words and how its parts fit together,

And offer a response to any possible objections.

As this states, every section of the teaching should be understood 1) in terms of its purpose, showing the reason why it is presented in a certain way, and also 2) by means of a synopsis, which is a summary of the most important points. It should also be understood 3) through an accurate explanation of the words of the text, including their grammatical features, as well as 4) its sequence, showing how the various earlier and later sections of the text fit together, and 5) by addressing any points of controversy or sources of doubt with a response to possible objections.

Internal Links

• Five principal considerations
• Three major structural themes

External Links

• Patrul Rinpoche, Preliminary Points to be Explained when Teaching the Buddha's Word or the Treatises