Honouring Abhidhamma: A Jewel of Pāli Literature

Prof Ravindra Panth

Tattha vuttā-bhidhammattha catudhā paramatthato,

Citttaṃ cetasikaṃ rūpaṃ Nibbānaṃ iti sabbathā.

In an ultimate sense the categories of Abhidhamma, mentioned therein,

are four-fold: i. Consciousness, ii. Mental states, iii. Material qualities, and

iv. Nibbāna or final emancipation. - Abhidhammatthasangaho, 

by Venerable Anuruddha.

THE INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CONFEDERATION (IBC), in association with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India; is celebrating the International Abhidhamma Divas and The Recognition of Pāli on October 17, 2024.

The Abhidhamma Piṭaka, the third section of the Pāli Canon, delves into the Buddha’s moral psychology and philosophy, offering a sophisticated framework for understanding the mind, its mental factors and reality. According to Theravāda tradition, these teachings were delivered in the celestial Tāvatiṃsa realm, where the Buddha spent three months during the Vassavāsa, teaching the Abhidhamma to Devas and his mother. 

Etymologically, ‘Abhidhamma’ consists of two words ‘abhi’ (toward) and ‘dhamma’ (to hold or bear), interpreted as leading to advanced teachings of the Buddha. Renowned Pāli commentator Ven. Buddhaghoṣa describes Abhidhamma as the most advanced or specialized doctrine, setting it apart from the more conventional teachings of the Sutta Piṭaka.

Abhidhamma provides a rigorous analysis of four types of Paramārtha dhamma (Ultimate Realities): Citta (Consciousness), Cetasika (mental factors), Rūpa (matter), and Nibbāna (final emancipation). This framework enables practitioners to study the complexities of human existence—understanding the interplay of mind and matter, the nature of suffering, and the path toward attaining Nibbāna, or the cessation of suffering.

The Abhidhamma Piṭaka consists of seven texts, each exploring different aspects of the Buddha's teachings in great detail. The Dhammasangani is the first book, which enumerates and defines the ultimate realities that make up the world of experience. The Vibhanga further analyzes these realities, while the Dhatukatha and Puggalapaññatti provide classifications of phenomena and types of individuals, respectively.

The Kathavatthu addresses various philosophical views and controversies, while the Yamaka and Paṭṭhana delve into the intricate web of conditional relations that govern the arising and cessation of all phenomena, considered the pinnacle of the Abhidhamma, is a monumental treatise that meticulously examines the twenty-four types of conditional relations that govern the entire universe of mind and matter

One of the central concepts in the Abhidhamma is the doctrine of conditionality, which explains how all phenomena arise and cease due to a complex interplay of causes and conditions.

While the Abhidhamma may appear highly technical and theoretical, its ultimate purpose is to aid practitioners in developing a penetrative understanding of the true nature of reality, free from the distortions of conventional perceptions and concepts. By comprehending the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and non-self-nature of all phenomena, one can gradually relinquish attachments and clinging, thereby, progressing along the path towards liberation from suffering.

In recent events, Pāli along with Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali was conferred the status of Classical Language. This ancient Middle Indo-Aryan language of the Indian subcontinent, opens doors to the rich philosophical and spiritual traditions of Buddha Dhamma. It is the foundation of Buddhist texts and philosophy.

The Abhidhamma Piṭaka, a key section of the Pāli Canon (Tipitaka), explores the complexities of the mind, consciousness, and the nature of reality. This work is essential for understanding the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of Buddha Dhamma.

The influence of Pāli extends beyond India, significantly impacting Southeast Asia, where countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia have embraced Theravada Buddhism. In these nations, Pāli is not just a religious language but also an important cultural asset.

Abhidhamma Divas serves as a reminder of the rich legacy of Pāli and its strategic importance in context of India’s cultural and historical landscape. As IBC celebrates Pāli language, it also presents economic and diplomatic opportunities for India. The overwhelming response that IBC received from its Asian partners excited about the recognition of Pali as a classical language by the Government of India is ample evidence of the bright future that this language has in the future.

By embracing and promoting Pāli, India can reclaim its role as the birthplace of this profound language while simultaneously expanding its influence in Southeast Asia. This endeavour of IBC not only honours the teachings of the Buddha but also ensures that the wisdom captured in Pāli continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Moreover, as Southeast Asian countries increasingly seek to reconnect with their Buddhist roots, India can play a vital role in providing resources, expertise, and leadership in Pāli studies. This not only solidifies India’s governance over the language but also strengthens diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries.

(The writer is the Director, International Buddhist Confederation Former Vice-Chancellor, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara.)

October 17, 2024