Keyword #5 Abhidharma

Higher Teachings

Dear Enlightenment Legacies Reader,

You are invited to join our digital vihāra. This week’s keyword is “abhidharma.” Let me begin with an expansion of our keyword in four major Buddhist languages.

Sanskrit: Abhidharma अभिधर्म

Pāli: Abhidhamma

Chinese: Āpídámó 阿毘達磨

Tibetan: Chos mngon pa ཆོས་མངོན་པ།

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Definition

Abhidharma, translating to “higher teachings” or “higher dharma,” is a critical and analytical elaboration of Buddhist doctrines, particularly concerning epistemology, psychology, and metaphysics. It systematizes the teachings found in the sūtras into precise, technical descriptions of reality and the processes of mental and physical phenomena.

Significance

Abhidharma represents a crucial development in Buddhist literature, emerging as a systematic exposition of the Buddha’s teachings. It evolved either from mnemonic matrices or catechistic discussions, refining and categorizing doctrinal elements to facilitate understanding and memorization. Abhidharma texts offer a comprehensive analysis of reality, detailing the dynamics of consciousness, matter, and their interrelations. This genre forms a part of the Tripiṭaka (“Three Baskets”), emphasizing higher wisdom training and encompassing topics like epistemology, cosmology, and the path to enlightenment. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, Abhidharma extends to include broader treatises, influencing scholastic discussions and practice. It plays a crucial role in structuring and disseminating Buddhist philosophy and practice across traditions.

Thanks for listening. I will see you next week.

All the best,

Martino