[Buddha-l] Prapanca

[Jackhat1 at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/13/2008 2:44:40 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
gruenig at tulane.edu writes:

> If  we look at how the word "prapanca" is used, it
> is pretty clear that  one's own doctrinal commitments 
> are never characterized as  prapanca.

As I understand it, papanca involves tanha (and often a lack  of 
mindfulness).  Obsessive (tanha-ridden) thinking about one's own  doctrinal commitments is 
papanca, too.  Clinging to views (even the views  of the Buddha) generates 
dukkha.  If Buddhists are committed to the  cessation of dukkha (rather than 
doctrines), then "doctrinal commitments" get  in the way if one goes into 
obsession and craving around those commitments  rather than using the teachings as 
medicine.
===
Is "prapanca" the same as "papanca"? I use papanca in a more micro sense  
than doctrinal commitment. I would translate it as add-on thinking. When in deep  
meditation (or in normal life for the more adept), one can see thoughts arise 
 and fall without any "I" involvement. But, if we get involved (attached) to 
this  thought, we merrily go along for the ride, lose mindfulness, invoke 
tanha and an  "I". This is papanca.
 
Jack



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