VISUDDHIMAGGA

The Visuddhimagga purports to be a summary of the whole of the Sutta Piṭaka as understood by the Mahāvihāra tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. The name means 'Path of Purification.' The book was written by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE and takes as its schema the seven purifications (satta visuddhi) taught by the Buddha in the Rathavinīta Sutta (M.I,145). The Visuddhimagga's approach to spiritual practise is theoretical and abhidhamma-based rather than practical.