Mappo Theory

Mappo theory known as Degeneration of Truth Dhamma was introduced in China as early as 6 century AD. In the history of China developed many Buddhist schools. He is the first to clearly distinguish the period with regard to Mappo theory. According to his theory, there are three periods.

1, Sho Bo, 2, Zo Bo and 3, Mappo.

Sho Bo means the period in which the true teaching of the Buddha can be realized fully, everyone can attain Nibbana. It lasts 500 years. ZoBo means the period in which Dhamma and Vinaya remain. It lasts 1000 years. Mappo means the period in which no one can attain Nibbana. It lasts 1000 years.

In the pali commentary of Theravada Buddhism, the teachings of Buddha are divided into three; 1, Pariyatti = Scripture, 2, Patipatti = Practice, and 3, Pativedha =Realization of truth. Practicing Dhamma is to realize the truth. So, these three should go hand and hand. There are some references for decline of the Dhamma in Samyuttanikaya, the Buddha tells Kassapa, at the time when the members of Samgha decrease and true doctrine didappear, more precepts and a few monks are established as Arahant. There is no disappearance of true Dhyamma till doctrines arise in the world. These are the words of the Buddha.

In another place, the Buddha said when the momks take discourses wrongly, in culavagga and anguttara, the Buddha said that if there are women as an order in my dispensation, the dispensation would not last long more than 500 years. So, there are instances even in the Tipitaka which suggest decline of saddhamma in future. So, Mappo theory originated even during the time of the Buddha. According to Huiszu’s calculation, Mappo period starts 1055 AD. There are scriptures but no practice and no realization. Those theories were initiated at 6 AD. At that time, theory was not much accepted by the people.

Then, the reason why, Buddhism disappeared from the place of His birth, India is because of Muslim invasion culminated finally in 12 AD. And another reason is because of assimilation of Buddhism into Brahmanism. About 11 or 12 AD, Buddhist community become very small compared with Brahmanism. To accept Mappo theory as a reality among the people in Japan, there must have been some social, economic or political changes, in the history of Japan, when people face with society, economy and policy that are not favourable to subscribe to the view of existing of true Dhamma, they fell that the world is coming to an end. People see that the world is full of suffering.

Then, it is recorded that there was a great fire in capital Kyoto in 1177, a whirlwind in 1180, famine in 1134, 1181 and earthquake in 1885. These natural calamities give rise to some understanding among the masses that the world is coming to an end that is Mappol this is how Mappo theory played very important role in introducing new perspective to religion and also way of life in Japan.

Words (504) Ven.Vilasa 11.11.07