5.1 Abhidharma: Systematic analysis of reality

Abhidharma philosophy forms the backbone of Buddhist thought, offering a systematic analysis of reality. It breaks down existence into fundamental elements, exploring concepts like dharmas, skandhas, and dependent origination to support meditation and insight development.

Key concepts in Abhidharma include the five aggregates that make up human experience and the theory of momentariness. These ideas challenge our perception of a permanent self, emphasizing the constant flux of reality and the importance of direct insight into impermanence.

Foundations of Abhidharma Philosophy

Purpose of Abhidharma literature

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• Systematic analysis of reality undertakes detailed examination of mental and physical phenomena and classifies elements of existence (dharmas, skandhas)
• Philosophical foundation for Buddhist practice supports meditation and insight development, aids in understanding the nature of reality (impermanence, non-self)
• Expansion and clarification of Buddha's teachings organizes presentation of doctrinal points, explores metaphysical and psychological concepts (dependent origination)
• Development of Buddhist scholasticism forms basis for later philosophical debates, influences Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions (Madhyamaka, Yogacara)

Key concepts in Abhidharma analysis

• Dharmas fundamental elements of existence divided into conditioned (samskrta) and unconditioned (asamskrta) dharmas
• Skandhas five aggregates constitute human experience (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, consciousness)
• Ayatanas twelve sense bases include six sense organs and their corresponding objects (eyes-visible forms, ears-sounds)
• Dhatus eighteen elements expand on ayatanas, adding six types of consciousness (visual consciousness, auditory consciousness)
• Causality and conditionality explained through pratityasamutpada dependent origination links 12 nidanas in cyclic existence
• Mental factors cetasikas accompany consciousness and shape cognitive and emotional experiences (attention, volition)
• Consciousness citta fundamental awareness that cognizes objects and experiences

Abhidharma Theories and Doctrines

Abhidharma theory of momentariness

• Ksanikavada doctrine of momentariness posits all phenomena are momentary and constantly changing, with no permanent substance or essence in reality
• Implications for existence reject enduring self or soul, establish impermanence as a fundamental characteristic of reality, emphasize continuous flux of dharmas
• Causal efficacy and momentariness explain how each moment gives rise to the next, maintaining continuity through causal connection (karma, rebirth)
• Challenge to common-sense perceptions of reality reveals apparent stability as an illusion, stresses importance of direct insight into momentary nature (vipassana meditation)

Five aggregates in Abhidharma philosophy

• Form rupa encompasses physical aspects of existence (body, material objects)
• Feeling vedana includes sensations and emotions (pleasure, pain, neutral)
• Perception samjna involves recognition and interpretation of sensory data (identifying objects, concepts)
• Mental formations samskara comprise volitional forces and habits shaping thoughts and actions (intentions, dispositions)
• Consciousness vijnana constitutes awareness and cognition of objects and experiences (six types of sensory consciousness)
• Aggregates as constituents of apparent self demonstrate no permanent self beyond the aggregates, revealing self as a dynamic process rather than a fixed entity
• Interrelation of aggregates highlights mutual dependence and conditioning, emphasizing constant flux and interaction (mind-body connection)
• Analysis of aggregates for insight serves as tool for understanding suffering and its causes, forms basis for developing non-attachment (four noble truths)
• Implications for Buddhist practice focus on observing and understanding aggregates, guide path to liberation through insight into nature of self (mindfulness practices)