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The present book authored by Acariya Anuruddha Mahathera during the 11th-12th Century A.D. Several other books with the title Abhidhamma Philosophy have been published even then this work has retained the same title Abhidhamma Philosophy partly to preserve its continuity with its predecessor-books and partly because the earlier published books are either translation of the Abidhammatthasangaho or translation with explanatory notes on the Abhidhammic terms. While the present book makes a systematic study of the Abhidhamma-pitaka, and compiled in condensed form in the Abhidhammatthasangaho. I, keeping in view the gigantic volume of the Abhidhamma-pitaka, have confined myself merely to explore the concept and true nature of the Dhamma, enshrined in the Theravada Abhi-dhammic tradition. The present book provides a comprehensive introduction to the Dhamma contained in the Abhidhamma-pitaka, the basis of Abhidhamma philosophy.
It is comprehensive in as much as it surveys a wide range of topics relevant to the effective understanding of Abhidhamma Philosophy. It is basically a student-oriented textbook as it satisfies the requirements of students. In the book, I have made a sincere attempt to discuss the intricacies and terms of the Abhidhamma in a clear, direct, and easily understandable manner.
I am conscious of the fact that most of the existing books in this field either present the literal translation or the literal translation with some explanation, and thus, leave the scope for further explanation more particularly the systemization of the subjects of the Abhidhamma. Therefore, to avoid the arrow of criticism an attempt has been made to to explain the various concepts of Abhidhamma Philosophy in systematic and unambiguous manner. The subject matter is presented in lucid and simple style. Besides simplicity, there are several other features that differentiate this book from other texts intended for students pursuing the advance courses in the field of Abhidhamma.
The book is logically divided into seven chapters, including introduction, and endowed with a number of informative tables, charts, etc. The book is also liberally sprinkled with relevant examples and illustrations designed to convey the information in uncomplicated manner. A genuine attempt has been made to clear the fog surroundings of certain ambiguous terms through a straight-forward point- wise analysis. The treatment of subject matter is primarily objective and the focus on various topics are well-balanced. Unlike many introductory texts on the Abhidhamma, this book is research-based. Throughout this book, students are exposed to the original references, available on the original as well as the secondary sources. Each chapter represents a rigorous examination of the literature, a systematic narrative account of empirical finds of knowledge with regard to the topic under discussion.
Abhidhamma Philosophy, Hardcover, 364 Pages
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Contents: ABHIDHAMMA PHILOSOPHY |
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Preface |
v |
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The system of transliteration arranged in order of Pali alphabet |
x |
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Abbreviations |
xi |
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The system of transliteration arranged in order of English alphabet |
xiii |
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Introduction |
1 |
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Chapter-1: Cittasangaha (Compendium of Consciousness) |
17 |
| i |
Kamavacara-Citta |
22 |
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A. Kamavacara-Akusala-Citta |
23 |
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B. Kamavacara-Ahetuka-Citta |
30 |
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C. Kamavacara-Sobhana-Citta |
37 |
| ii |
Rupavacara-Citta |
45 |
| iii |
Arupavacara-Citta |
66 |
| iv |
Lokuttara-Citta |
72 |
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Chapter-2 Cetasikasangaha (Compendium of Psychic Factors) |
83 |
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A. Annasamana-Cetasika |
85 |
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B. Akusala-Cetasika |
93 |
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C. Sobhana-Cetasika |
101 |
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Cetasika-Sampayoga naya (The Association of Psychic Factors) |
116 |
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Cetasika-Sangahanaya (The Combination of Psychic Factors) |
129 |
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Chapter-3 Pakinnakasangaha (Compendium of Miscellaneous Factors) |
170 |
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A. Vendanasangaha |
170 |
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B. Hetusangaha |
174 |
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C. Kiccasangaha |
178 |
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D. Dvarasangaha |
186 |
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E. Alambanasangaha |
191 |
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F. Vatthusangaha |
200 |
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Chapter-4 Vithisangaha (Compenduim of the Course of Cognition) |
208 |
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Pancadvara-Vithi (Course of Cognition at the five sense-door) |
211 |
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Manodvara-Vithi (Course of Cognition at the mind-door) |
218 |
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Maranasanna-Vithi (Course of Cognition at the time of death) |
222 |
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Patisandhi-Vithi (Course of Cognition at the time of birth) |
225 |
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Appana-Vithi (Course of Cognition at the time of mental development) |
228 |
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Chapter-5 Rupasangaha (Compendium of matter) |
231 |
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Rupa-Vibhaga (Classification of matter) |
257 |
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Rupa-Samutthana (Arising of matter) |
265 |
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Rupakalapa-Vibhaga (Grouping of matter) |
273 |
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Rupappavattikkamma (Sequence of the arising of matter) |
281 |
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Chapter-6 Nibbana (Eternal bliss) |
285 |
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Index |
296 |
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Bibliography |
313 |
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Glossary |
318 |
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Features
The book is contents in itself, even though, it appears logical to write a few lines on the contents of the book. The book begins with an "Introduction" to introduce the reader to the meaning and aims of the Abhidhamma-pitaka. It also deals with the books of the Abhidhamma-pitaka from which the philosophy derives. The Introduction also describes authorship, date, purpose, and a brief survey of the Abhidhammathasangaho, the main source of the present work.
The first chapter of the book 'Cittasangaha,' discusses Consciousness (citta), its nature, functions and types in accordance with sphere (bhumi), class (jati), root (hetu), etc.
The second chapter 'Cetasikasangaha,' deals with the psychic factors (cetasika) that arise and perishes along with the consciousness. As shall be discussed later, the psychic factor are associates of the consciousnss when the latter performs the act of cognizing an object. How the consciousness and psychic factors associate and combine with each other has also been explained under this chapter. The association and combination of the two have, further, been explained by adding several tables with this chapter.
The third chapter 'Pakinnakasangaha' presents the classification in accordance with miscellaneous factors like feeling (vedana), roots (hetu), doors (dvara), etc. To make the discussion more clear six tables and several charts have been added to the main body of this chapter.
The fourth chapter 'Vithisangaha' presents, in brief, the discussion on the course of cognition i.e. the process through which consciousness cognizes an object. The chapter also contains five tables. The matter (rupa), its definition, types, classification, generating factor, groupings, arising and ceasing form part of the fifth chapter 'Rupasangaha'. Four tables have been added to the chapter to make the description under this chapter more clear.
The sixth chapter deals with Nibbana as well as a brief survey of the means (patha) which reaches Nibbana, the state of peace and happiness.
A set of glossary of Pali words have also been included in the body of the book so that the reader could easily comprehend the Pali words used in the book, while explaining the paramattha-dhamma, enshrined in the Abhidhamma-pitaka.
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