The question method and the answer methods in Theravāda Buddhism had the pattern of questioning, the phases and the answers to the questions which consisted of four types i.e. concise method; uncomplicated method, retort method with a question, categorized aspects and unresponsive method. The Buddha’s methods of answering the questions were by Paññā (Using Wisdom), by Mettā (Loving-Kindness) and by Upāyakosala (Skillful means), and as by the characteristic in answering the questions that was found consisting of four aspects as follows; (1) Supporting the learning process (2) Practicing the middle way of answering the questions (3) aiming at the practice (4) Avoiding theoretically defeating one another.
The problems and the method of questioning and answering the questions the 16 young men as follows:
1. The contents of the questions and the questions they asked were for the purpose of knowing here by referred to Avijjā (Ignorance) and the Dhammas that were Saddhā (Faith), Sati (Mindfulness), Samādhi (Concentration), Chanda (Aspiration) and Viriya (Effort). The 16 young men’s contents of questions were the questions that were in accord with these matters.
2. The methods of asking the questions and the objectives of asking the questions by 16 young men were of the following aspects; They were the questions for making clear what has never been seen, they were the questions for comparing with the things that have ever been seen, and the questions for getting rid of doubt or for the benefit of oneself, the questions for other’s benefit and the questions for the benefit of oneself and of others.
3. The Buddha’s methods of answering questions were four concerning the question and the answer methods of the 16 young men. The Buddha answered their questions with short methods; uncomplicated, or Ekaṅsabayākaraṇa (Precise Response) and Vibhajjabayākaraṇa (Analyzable questions).
4. The result of answering the questions was that 16 young men and their followers finally attained Arahantship - the Worthiness.
For a study of the Buddha’s methods in answering questions asked by 16 young men are based on the Four Noble Truths, Its result of this study it was found that the questions asked by 16 young men and the Buddha’s answers From the wholly conformed the approach to the Four Noble truths, starting from asking the questions on sufferings and the way to be free from sufferings by way of attaining an enlightenment by the Buddha; and a cessation of suffering that was the penetrating in the Four Noble Truths. When 16 young men listened to the responses from the Buddha, they attained Lokuttaradhamma (Supramandane State) and entered Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha) by practicing the Noble Paths, starting from practicing the basic precepts up to Concentration (Samādhi) and Wisdom (Paññā) for being free from Defilement (Kilesa), Suffering (Dukha) and for achieving the ultimate goal of Buddhism Nibbāna. |