Resources for Abhidhamma — Advanced Buddhist Thought, Inquiry, Analysis and Psychology

Posted byjosh dippoldPosted inBuddhism, dharma, wisdomTags:, , , , ,
Abdhidhamma and Development of Buddhist Thought

Disclaimer: I cannot vouch for the accuracy, usefulness and effectiveness of the resources here so what follows is for informational purposes. Please use your own discernment and consult the wise and teachers with questions, how to proceed, etc (if need be)

After auditing the now public Abdhidhamma and Development of Buddhist Thought, part of Mid-America Buddhist Association’s Diploma in Pali and Buddhist Studies (DPBS) I was inspired to create this post. (If interested in checking out ongoing classes at MABA, please email to request free auditing, or please enroll).

Here’s some Abhidhamma resources, some of which were mentioned in class:

1. What is “Abhidhamma”? via https://www.youtube.com/@Acharinee — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYEZGEVhhhM

Beth Upton answers some Abhidhamma questions

10 Part Teaching on Theravada Abhidhamma with Bhikkhu Bodhi
This comprehensive lecture series breaks down the fundamental tenets of Theravada doctrine, heavily grounded in the Abhidhammattha-saṅgaha and Abhidhamma Piṭaka. It covers topics such as Rūpa (matter), Citta (consciousness), Cetasika (mental factors), and ultimate realities (Paramattha Dhamma)
Dhammavinicchaya Series: In-depth Theravada analytical discussions examining specific questions, fine details of Dhamma, and Abhidhamma interpretations.
Path to Paṭisambhidā Lecture Series: Advanced textual and analytical series exploring deep analytical knowledge (Paṭisambhidā) and Abhidhamma principles. Accompanying Handouts & PDFs: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/147PwZJHa7kuzU8Ra5mwHwsgHkqUCCn3i
via https://rukkhamula.wordpress.com/add-ons/abhidhamma-add-ons/a-pictorial-representation-of-rupa-kalapas-for-visual-learners/
via https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/31157/does-vi%C3%B1%C3%B1%C4%81%E1%B9%87a-generate-n%C4%81mar%C5%ABpa-in-the-sense-that-would-make-uploading-concsciou

I feel what’s below both relevant to include in this blog post and that it ought to be somewhat apparent by the answer why we still need seasoned Abhidhamma practitioners and even Dhamma teachers in general if going by ChatGPT‘s answer to “What are some of the most contested Abhidhamma questions?”:

As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or beliefs. However, some of the most contested Abhidhamma questions among scholars and practitioners include:

  1. The nature of consciousness: Whether consciousness is a momentary process or a continuous stream.
  2. The concept of self: Whether there is a permanent self or soul that exists beyond the aggregates.
  3. The role of karma: Whether karma is deterministic or whether it allows for free will.
  4. The nature of nibbana: Whether nibbana is a state of cessation or an ultimate reality.
  5. The relationship between mind and matter: Whether mind and matter are separate entities or whether they are interdependent.
  6. The role of meditation: Whether meditation is necessary for attaining enlightenment or whether it is just a tool for developing concentration and mindfulness.
  7. The concept of rebirth: Whether rebirth is literal or metaphorical, and how it relates to the concept of karma.

These are just a few examples, as there are many other questions and debates within Abhidhamma studies.

Published by josh dippold

IntegratingPresence.com

10 thoughts on “Resources for Abhidhamma — Advanced Buddhist Thought, Inquiry, Analysis and Psychology”

  1. Pingback: Towards Everyday Implementation Of The 19 Universal Beautiful Mental Factors – Integrating Presence

  2. It’s probably somewhat crude to advertise oneself. But reading your post I thought you might find my project perhaps not entirely uninteresting. In case you are open to some new take on the Abhidhamma, you can try: amonksselflessmagic.wordpress.com/download

    Like

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Podcast | (Authentic) Smiling (Practice) – Integrating Presence
  4. Pingback: Podcast | Being And Living As Better Beautiful Humans: In Conversation With David Hults – Integrating Presence
  5. Pingback: Podcast | Lawyering Down, Kundalini-ing Up With Kara Bitar – Integrating Presence
  6. Pingback: Dharma Questions: Abhidhamma – Integrating Presence
  7. Pingback: Questions And Points Put To Leigh Brasington On “Psychic Powers” In The Suttas – Integrating Presence
  8. Pingback: Lankavatara Sutra: Notes And Questions – Integrating Presence
  9. Pingback: Catalysts For Awakening and Change Series Encore: The Illusion Of Movement With Dean Graves – Integrating Presence

Leave a comment