Lay And Monastic Wisdom: Roles, Expectations, And Exemplars in Suttas Vs. Jātaka Narratives

This article analyses the role-based construction of ‘wisdom’ in early Buddhist literature through the lens of prescriptive sutta discourse and exemplary Jātaka storytelling. With respect to the lay and monastic positions as moral and cognitive exemplars, how do the contrasts between doctrinal education and narrative pedagogy construct social visions, what kinds of wisdom are communicated, and how are these communicated? The suttas articulate wisdom (paññā) as free discernment of insight, and the monastic exemplars, especially the Buddha and the accomplished disciples, through doctrinal authority and the promise of emancipation, articulate wisdom. The norm of monastic life is the consistent, enduring crucible for the cultivation of this insight and, as her teachings’ sutta’ discretion speaks, of virtue, generosity, stewardship, and lay wisdom’ discrimination-making questions. These portrayals suggest the prevailing ideal of genuine, valuable wisdom. Domestic life needs the progress of the Saṅgha. The Zen of this life is interdependent, oriented toward support.