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Introduction to Abhidhamma

by Shamika Soysa

MIND is a phenomenon which is highly explored in the doctrine of Buddhism. Mano phubban gama dhamma which means "mind is the forerunner" is a highly heard verse from "Dhamma Padhaya". The ultimate objective in Buddhism is attained by purifying and improving mind. However, understanding what "mind" is a quite complicated act for any person. This is a barrier for someone who is interested in learning Buddhism in-depth. One of the teachings in Buddhism which provides a comprehensive analysis on mind is "Abhidhamma".

The Buddhist doctrine is categorized into three, which is known to anyone, as "Thripitaka" namely Suthra Pitaka, Vinya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Vinaya Pitaka consists rules of conduct for Sangha and Suthra Pitaka consists of Suttas containing the central teachings of Buddhism. Suthra Pitaka is mostly on "Conventional Teachings" (Sammuthi Dheshana) of Buddhism. Abhidhamma Pitaka provides a theoretical framework for the doctrine principles in Suthra Pitaka which could be used to describe "Mind and Matter". Hence, Abhidhamma embraces the "Ultimate Teachings" (Paramaththa Dheshana) in Buddhism.

Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of seven treatises;

1. Dhammasangani
2. Vibhanga
3. Dhatukatha
4. Puggalapannatti
5. Kathavatthu
6. Yamaka
7. Pattthana

The term "Abhidhamma" simply means "Higher Doctrine". It is an in-depth investigation to mind and matter. It answers many intricate points of Dhamma. It analyses complex machinery of human, world, mind, thoughts, thought-process, mental formations and etc. Therefore it is indeed a complex doctrine to understand. However, there are many who are interested in learning this beautiful branch of doctrine. Amongst them there are plenty of non-Buddhists as well. This effort is to present this doctrine in an "Easy to Understand" manner.

Apparent Reality & Ultimate Reality

To elaborate more, conventional teaching (sammuthi dheshana) consists of "Apparent Reality" (Sammuthi Sachcha) of things. The "Ultimate Reality" (Paramaththa Sachcha) is the abstract truth of apparent reality which is focused in the doctrine of Abhidhamma.

Consider a human for example. Each human is given a name and is equipped with a head, arms, legs, eyes, ears and etc. In conventional terms we call that entity "a human" and that is the apparent reality. But if this entity called human is dismantled into arms, legs, eyes and etc., could it be called as a human? If those parts are further divided then it would end up with bones and flesh. This division could proceed until such that nothing could be seen remaining, where one is not given any clue to be called it as "a human". This is how the ultimate reality is explained. In ultimate reality a human is described in terms of "Five Aggregates" (Panchakkhandha). What is visible and described above is just one out of them called "Materiality" (Rupakkandha) and the rest are "Sensation/Feeling, Perception, Mental formations/states & Consciousness" (Vedhanakkhandha, Sannakkhandha, Sankharakkhandha & Vinnanakkhandha). Like wise in paramaththa sachcha or in ultimate reality that is in Abhidhamma, things would be expressed in a more analytical method.

Four Paramarththas

Falling under abstract or ultimate reality, Abhidhamma consists of paramaththas. "paramo uththamo aviparitho aththa paramaththa" which means "the most noble and immutable thing is paramaththa". There are four paramaththas, namely the reality of;
1. Consciousness (Chittha Paramaththa)
2. Mental States (Chetasika Paramaththa)
3. Matter (Rupa Paramaththa)
4. Nibbana (Nirwana Paramaththa)

It is important to understand what it really means to be immutable of paramaththa. The equipments we call as table or chair subject to change in various ways and means. A table could be dismantled and made a chair or any other furniture. With time this furniture would perish to dust. Therefore they are not paramatththa. But analysis of matter (rupa paramaththa) would identify the fundamental materials of both table and chair are same and how they are subject to change. This particular truth doesn't change and in that sense reality of matter or rupa paramaththa is said to be immutable. So do the other paramaththas.

First two realities together denote "Nama". The third reality that is "Rupa" denotes fundamental units of matter and material changes. The realities of consciousness, mental states, and matter (with few exceptions to be dealt with later) are "Mundane" (Lokiya). The reality of Nibbana is "Supramundane" (Lokuttara) which is the absolute reality of all realities.

[Reference: A Manual of Abhidhamma by Narada Maha Thera]

courtesy the Daily News on 20 August 2008.

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