An Analysis of Anantariya-Kamma in Buddhism

Abstract

This article aims to study and analyze Anantariya in Buddhism. The results of the study found that the anantariya-kamma is the heaviest action called ‘garu-kamma’. In the unwholesome side, there are five types of this kamma: 1) matricide, 2) patricide, 3) killing an Arahant, 4) causing a Buddha to suffer a contusion or to bleed and 5) causing schism in the Order. Those who acted this kamma will go to the eighth main hell called ‘Avīci (the lowest hell)’. The result of the analysis of the anantariya-kamma of the King Supabuddha is that Supabuddha had a mind of unwholesome, anger and vengefulness against the Lord Buddha because of his daughter, Yasothara who was Prince Siddhartha's wife before his going out to seek the way of liberation. He then left Phimpha to take care of her children alone. Supabuddha therefore had anger and resentment against him. This leads to his conspiracy to persecute the Buddha with the enlistment of royal clerics to sit and drink at the same time on the way that the Buddha would go to receive alms. This did not allow the Buddha to travel successfully. This is the reason for doing the anantariya-kamma of Supabuddha.