Significance of Abhidhamma
Abhidhamma refers to a significant body of Buddhist scriptures that focus on philosophical analysis, psychological understanding, and metaphysical teachings. It encompasses various collections and treatises, systematizing the Buddha's teachings on the nature of reality, mental states, and consciousness. Different traditions within Buddhism, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism, have their interpretations and emphases on Abhidhamma, viewing it as a critical text for deeper understanding of the Dharma, including concepts like Ultimate Truth and the classification of phenomena.
Synonyms: Buddhist psychology, Higher teaching, Doctrinal teaching, Buddhist philosophy
In Dutch: Abhidhamma; In German: Abhidhamma; In Finnish: Abhidhamma; In Spanish: Abhidhamma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Abhidhamma'
Abhidhamma, a collection of texts within the Pali Canon, provides profound philosophical analysis of Buddhist doctrines, exploring psychological and physical phenomena, and serves as a key resource for understanding core Buddhist teachings and principles of reality.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A complex teaching of Buddha Sujata that further elucidated the Buddha's doctrines, leading many beings to enlightenment.[1] (2) The advanced teachings of Buddhism that the Buddha taught after displaying the Twin Miracle.[2] (3) A collection of texts in the Pali canon that elaborates on the nature of reality and the mental states involved in understanding truth.[3] (4) A key Buddhist scripture that the Buddha preached to the celestial beings in Tavatimsa.[4] (5) A detailed analysis and classification of mental and physical phenomena according to the Buddha's teachings.[5]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Abhidhamma is a branch of Buddhist teachings primarily focused on the study of abstract truths in absolute terms.[6] (2) The third great division of the Pitaka, consisting of a vast collection of systematically arranged doctrines of the Buddha that represent the quintessence of his Teaching.[7] (3) A collection of texts in Buddhist scripture that focuses on the philosophical and psychological analysis of the teachings.[8] (4) A genre of Buddhist texts that delve into the philosophical and doctrinal analysis of the teachings found in the Sutta Pitaka.[9] (5) A Buddhist scripture that recognizes two kinds of Truth and categorizes things into Ultimate Truth and apparent truth.[10]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A branch of Buddhist philosophy that analyzes mental and physical phenomena to understand their true nature.[11] (2) A text or book dealing with the higher aspects of Buddhist philosophy, particularly focusing on mental states.[12] (3) The 3rd or last Basket of the Buddhist Scriptures, described as abstruse, profound, and subtle, and regarded as an attempt to elaborate on the early teachings of the Buddha.[13] (4) A classification system in Buddhist teachings that analyzes the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality.[14] (5) A portion of the Pali Canon dealing with the philosophy and psychology of Buddhism.[15]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A category of Buddhist scriptures that includes a systematic framework for understanding the nature of reality, particularly focusing on consciousness, mental states, and matter.[16] (2) A comprehensive treatise analyzing and categorizing aspects of mental states and consciousness.[17] (3) A branch of Buddhist teachings that provides a detailed analysis of the mind, consciousness, and the elements that constitute experience.[18] (4) Abhidhamma is a traditional Buddhist text detailing the nature of mind and mental states, emphasizing the presence of cetasikas alongside consciousness.[19]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A branch of Buddhist teachings that offers an in-depth analysis of the mind and mental phenomena.[20] (2) A Buddhist text that offers deep insights and philosophical analysis of the nature of mind and matter, including the characteristics of different types of consciousness.[21] (3) A collection of Buddhist texts that provide detailed analysis and classification of mental phenomena and realities.[22] (4) Abhidhamma is a scripture within the Buddhist canon that provides a detailed explanation of all akusala dhammas and their implications on daily life.[23]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A component of the Pali Canon that explains the philosophical and doctrinal aspects of Buddhism.[24] (2) A collection of texts in Theravada Buddhism that discusses the philosophy and doctrine behind the Buddha's teachings.[25] (3) A part of the Buddhist scriptures; a complex philosophical discourse that Atula found difficult to understand.[26]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A collection of texts that provide a detailed analysis of mental states and phenomena, representing advanced philosophical aspects of Buddhist teachings.[27] (2) A section of the Buddhist scriptures addressing the philosophical and analytical teachings of Buddhism.[28] (3) A category of Buddhist texts that involves a systematic and philosophical discourse of the teachings of Buddhism, mentioned in connection with knowledge of the Pitakas.[29]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A significant Buddhist text providing detailed analysis of the mind and phenomena, aimed at deeper understanding of Buddhist principles.[30] (2) A detailed exposition of all realities, often considered the 'higher dhamma' and intended to aid in understanding the nature of existence.[31]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A branch of Buddhist teachings that delves into the nature of consciousness and mental phenomena.[32] (2) A text that provides detailed analysis of the nature of mind and matter, which contradicts the belief in a permanent ego.[33]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The keystone of Bhadantacariya Buddhaghosa鈥檚 exegesis that is not utilized in the Vimuttimagga, which lacks classifications used in other texts.[34]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Abhidhamma refers to the higher teachings and philosophical aspects of Buddhism, distinguished from the Vinaya and Suttas.[35]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) A term related to higher doctrine and teachings in Buddhist scriptures, illustrating a depth of study in the Vinaya context.[36]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Concerned with philosophical analysis and understanding of the psychological and physical phenomena according to Buddhist doctrine.[37]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) The higher teachings of Buddhism that delve into the analysis of mental processes and phenomena, forming part of the Tripitaka.[38]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) One of the three Pitakas that contains philosophical and doctrinal texts.[39]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) A specialized area of Buddhist doctrine that nuns may question a monk about, which has its own specific guidelines regarding leave.[40]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An important text in Buddhism where the Buddha preached teachings about the nature of reality and existence.[41] (2) A collection of texts in Theravada Buddhism that outlines the teachings of the Buddha in a systematic and philosophical manner.[42] (3) A genre of Buddhist texts that deal with philosophical analysis and classification of mental and physical phenomena.[43] (4) A category of Buddhist scriptures that analyze and categorize the teachings of the Buddha, linked to a specific bodhisattva assembly.[44] (5) An essential category of Buddhist scriptures focused on philosophy and psychological analysis, of which the Jnanaprasthana forms a part.[45]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The fourth group of Indian origin textbooks utilized in studies at Dzongsar Shedra.[46]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The peerless method of practice and understanding that provides the pathway to nirvana, recognized universally by Buddhas.[47]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A metaphysical treatise that elaborates on the teachings found in the Sutras, forming part of the Buddhist sacred code.[48]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A significant Buddhist philosophical text that various learners, including rgwa lo's son, studied.[49] (2) A collection of Buddhist texts that explore the principles of reality and understanding, which Dharmasvamin studied at a young age.[50] (3) An important Buddhist philosophical text that Yag sde paN chen was exposed to during his education.[51] (4) The higher or meta-physical teachings in Buddhism that elaborate on the doctrines and psychological aspects of the teachings.[52] (5) A category of Buddhist teachings that lha rje rgya nag learned under 鈥榖an, the All knowing.[53]
The concept of Abhidhamma in local and regional sources
Abhidhamma encompasses a collection from the Mahasanghikas, esteemed scriptures studied mainly by followers focusing on Shariputra, and serves as a branch of Buddhist philosophy addressing metaphysics and psychology.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A branch of Buddhist philosophy dealing with metaphysics and psychology, often referred to in texts and teachings.[54] (2) A Buddhist scripture honored by those who study it, particularly focusing on shariputra.[55]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A collection according to the school of the Mahasanghikas, which Fa-Hian also obtained.[56]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Supplementary texts of the Pitakas that elaborate on earlier teachings and provide deeper insights into Buddhist philosophy.[57]