Abhidharma
Introduction
The term Abhidharma (Sanskrit: अभिधर्म; Pali: Abhidhamma) refers to a collection of Buddhist scriptures that constitute the third part of the Tripitaka, the canonical texts of Theravada Buddhism. The Abhidharma literature is a detailed scholastic reworking of doctrinal material appearing in the Sutras, according to schematic classifications. It is considered to be a higher teaching and analysis of the Buddha's teachings, focusing on the nature of reality and the mind.
Historical Background
The Abhidharma texts were developed after the death of the Buddha, during the early centuries of Buddhism. The exact time of their composition is debated among scholars, but it is generally accepted that they were composed between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE. The Abhidharma literature represents an attempt to systematize and analyze the teachings found in the Sutras, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of reality and the mind.
Abhidharma in Different Buddhist Traditions
The Abhidharma literature varies significantly between different Buddhist traditions. The Theravada tradition has its own Abhidhamma Pitaka, while the Sarvastivada and other schools of early Buddhism developed their own Abhidharma texts. Despite these differences, all Abhidharma texts share a common goal of providing a systematic and detailed analysis of the Buddha's teachings.
Theravada Abhidhamma
The Theravada Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of seven books: 1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) 2. Vibhanga (The Book of Analysis) 3. Dhatukatha (Discussion of Elements) 4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) 5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) 6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) 7. Patthana (The Book of Relations)
These texts provide a detailed analysis of mental and physical phenomena, categorizing them into various lists and classifications. The Theravada Abhidhamma is highly revered in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Sarvastivada Abhidharma
The Sarvastivada school, which was prominent in North India and Central Asia, developed its own Abhidharma literature. The most important text in the Sarvastivada Abhidharma is the Abhidharma-kosa, written by the scholar Vasubandhu in the 4th or 5th century CE. This text provides a comprehensive overview of the Sarvastivada Abhidharma, discussing various topics such as the nature of reality, the mind, and the path to enlightenment.
Other Schools
Other early Buddhist schools, such as the Mahasanghika and the Sautrantika, also developed their own Abhidharma texts. These texts often differed significantly from those of the Theravada and Sarvastivada schools, reflecting the diverse interpretations of the Buddha's teachings that existed in early Buddhism.
Key Concepts in Abhidharma
The Abhidharma literature introduces several key concepts that are central to its analysis of the Buddha's teachings. These concepts include:
Dharmas
The term 'dharma' in the context of Abhidharma refers to the fundamental constituents of reality. Dharmas are the ultimate building blocks of existence, and they are classified into various categories such as physical phenomena, mental phenomena, and unconditioned phenomena. The analysis of dharmas is a central focus of the Abhidharma literature.
Citta and Cetasika
In Abhidharma, the mind is analyzed into two main components: citta (consciousness) and cetasika (mental factors). Citta refers to the momentary instances of consciousness, while cetasika refers to the various mental factors that accompany and influence each moment of consciousness. The detailed analysis of citta and cetasika is a key aspect of the Abhidharma's exploration of the mind.
Kleshas
The term 'klesha' refers to the mental afflictions or defilements that disturb the mind and lead to suffering. The Abhidharma literature provides a detailed analysis of the various types of kleshas, their causes, and their effects on the mind. Understanding and overcoming kleshas is considered essential for achieving liberation in Buddhism.
Pratityasamutpada
The concept of pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism, and it is extensively analyzed in the Abhidharma literature. This concept explains how all phenomena arise in dependence on other phenomena, highlighting the interconnected and impermanent nature of reality. The Abhidharma provides a detailed analysis of the twelve links of dependent origination and their role in the cycle of birth and death.
Methodology and Approach
The Abhidharma literature employs a systematic and analytical approach to the study of the Buddha's teachings. This approach is characterized by several key features:
Classification
A central feature of the Abhidharma methodology is the classification of phenomena into various categories and lists. This classification system is used to organize and analyze the teachings of the Buddha in a systematic manner. Examples of such classifications include the five aggregates (skandhas), the twelve sense bases (ayatanas), and the eighteen elements (dhatus).
Analysis
The Abhidharma literature emphasizes the detailed analysis of phenomena, breaking them down into their constituent parts and examining their relationships and interactions. This analytical approach is used to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the mind.
Scholasticism
The Abhidharma literature is characterized by its scholastic and academic approach to the study of Buddhism. This approach involves the use of precise terminology, logical reasoning, and systematic argumentation to explore and explain the teachings of the Buddha.
Influence and Legacy
The Abhidharma literature has had a profound influence on the development of Buddhist thought and practice. Its systematic and analytical approach has shaped the way in which the Buddha's teachings are understood and interpreted in various Buddhist traditions. The Abhidharma has also influenced the development of later Buddhist philosophical schools, such as the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its importance, the Abhidharma literature has also been the subject of criticism and controversy. Some Buddhist traditions, such as the Zen and Pure Land schools, have criticized the Abhidharma for its scholasticism and emphasis on intellectual analysis. These traditions argue that the true essence of the Buddha's teachings cannot be fully understood through intellectual analysis alone, and that direct experience and practice are essential for achieving enlightenment.
Conclusion
The Abhidharma literature represents a significant and influential body of work within the Buddhist tradition. Its systematic and analytical approach to the study of the Buddha's teachings has provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of reality and the mind. Despite its complexities and controversies, the Abhidharma continues to be an important and respected aspect of Buddhist thought and practice.