Hello and welcome.
I'm Silas Day and this is a quick Buddhist lecture on what the Abhidhamma is.
I'll start with a quote from the Buddha,
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
The Abhidhamma,
Also known as the Abhidharma,
Is one of the three main sections of the Buddhist canon known as the Tripitaka.
The other two sections are the Vinaya Pitaka and the Sutta Pitaka.
It represents a comprehensive analysis of the Buddhist teaching,
Focusing on the nature of reality,
Consciousness,
And mental phenomena.
In fact,
It is so specific and so detailed that it almost hovers on the edge of the arcane and almost reads like a high-level medical textbook on neuroscience.
Here we will just be exploring the Abhidhamma's origins,
Its use in Buddhist practice,
And how it can be a valuable resource for practitioners seeking a truly deeper understanding and spiritual growth.
The Buddha said,
An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.
The Abhidhamma is believed to have originated from the Buddha's teachings,
Which were later organized and systematized by his disciples.
This collection of texts provides a detailed examination of Buddhist psychology,
Philosophy,
And metaphysics.
It aims to present a clear and concise understanding of the Dhamma,
Which is the Buddhist teaching,
And to help practitioners on their path towards awakening.
Of the three aspects of the original Buddhist teaching,
However,
The Abhidhamma is seen as the latest,
As the word Abhidhamma or Abhidharma itself only appears twice in the original Buddhist canon.
The word Abhidhamma itself can be translated to something like conversation between monks,
So it is assumed that the Abhidhamma came after the death of the Buddha and were the high-level conversations between monks that then generated this text known as the Abhidharma.
The Abhidharma is composed of seven books,
Each focusing on a specific aspect of Buddhist thought and practice.
These books cover topics such as the nature of consciousness,
The classification of mental states,
The laws governing the workings of the mind,
And the path to liberation.
The Abhidhamma's systematic approach allows for a deeper understanding of the complex nature of human existence and the interconnectedness of all phenomena.
If you're interested in getting a PhD in Buddhism,
I would highly recommend delving into the Abhidhamma itself,
As it is what you need to study to get that PhD.
The Buddha said,
Your work is to discover your work,
And then with all your heart give yourself to it.
In this way,
The Abhidhamma serves as both a theoretical framework and a practical guide for Buddhist practitioners.
By studying the Abhidhamma,
Individuals can develop a more profound understanding of the Dhamma,
Which can enhance their meditation practice and daily life.
The Abhidhamma offers insight into the workings of the mind,
Helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness,
Concentration,
Wisdom,
And virtue,
Reminding us that we should not dwell in the past and not to dream of the future,
But to concentrate the mind on the present moment.
The Abhidhamma itself helps Buddhist practitioners in several ways.
It enhances their meditation practice by understanding the nature of consciousness and mental states.
Meditation practitioners can use this to develop greater mindfulness and concentration in their meditation practice.
It teaches the cultivation of wisdom,
And through the studying of the Abhidhamma,
One can deepen your understanding of the Buddhist teaching,
Leading to the development of wisdom and insight.
It also teaches the nurturing of ethical conduct.
The Abhidhamma provides guidance on the cultivation of wholesome mental states,
Which can support the practice of ethical or virtuous conduct and compassionate living.
As well,
It really,
Really,
Really clarifies the path to liberation to such a detailed and micro-phenomenological extent that it can be a bit overwhelming.
The Abhidhamma elucidates the path to liberation,
Helping practitioners progress on their journey towards awakening in a hyper-specific way.
To close,
Buddha said,
Peace comes from within,
Do not seek it without.
The Abhidhamma serves as a valuable resource for Buddhist practitioners,
Offering a comprehensive understanding of the Buddhist teaching and guidance for personal growth and spiritual development.
By engaging with the Abhidhamma,
You and anyone on their meditation journey can gain insight into the nature of reality,
Cultivate wisdom,
And progress on the path towards awakening.
However,
It is like reading a philosophical textbook and even to me goes far over my head at some points.
It requires a lifetime of study,
But even though it requires a lifetime of study to fully grasp,
Even a parsing understanding I think can be incredibly helpful.
Ultimately,
The study and practice of the Abhidhamma can lead to inner peace,
Happiness,
And help us liberate ourselves from suffering.
I'm Silas Day,
And this has been a quick lecture on what the Abhidhamma is.
Thank you so much,
And I hope you're enjoying this quick lecture series.
