An Analytical Study on the Origin of “Nibbānaṁ Paramaṁ Suññaṁ”

Abstract

This research article aims to trace and analyze the origin of the phrase “Nibbānaṁ Paramaṁ Suññaṁ” through various textual sources. The study found that this phrase does not appear directly in the primary Pāli Canon; however, a closely related phrase, “Paramaṁ Suññaṁ Nibbānan’ti”, is found in the Paṭisambhidāmagga. The exact phrase “Nibbānaṁ Paramaṁ Suññaṁ” does appear directly in the Ratanattayappabhāvābhiyācanagāthā, a royal composition by King Rama IV, as well as in manuscripts of the Pathaman scriptures and Maharat manuscript, which are traditional texts related to the making of sacred powders. Notably, the Pathaman texts contain this phrase eleven times, suggesting that they likely influenced King Rama IV's composition as evidenced in his “Mantra for Dispelling Misfortune” and “the Astrological Manual for Fortune Reversal”, included in his royal correspondence. Furthermore, the influence of this phrase extends into the Thai literary classic Khun Chang Khun Phaen, as well as contemporary song lyrics.