BOOK REVIEW : A GUIDE THROUGH THE ABHIDHAMMA (PART I)

Abstract

This review of A Guide through the Abhidhamma will be in two parts: fi rst will be a review of the detailed guide that Nyanatiloka compiled, the second will be a review of his essay on the Paṭiccasamuppāda that he included at the end of the guide. The second review will be published in the second issue of the JIBSC. The fi rst chapter of ‘A Guide through the Abhidhamma’ discusses and summarizes the main points of the Dhammasaṅganī. The thing that I enjoyed most about this chapter is the table of cetisikas presented by Nyanatiloka. In the
Phra Seth Abhijato Assumption University, Thailand
142 The Journal of The International Buddhist Studies College The Journal of The International Buddhist Studies College
original Dhammasaṅganī, there are 56 cetisikas presented in the wholesome consciousness. However, many of these cetisikas are quite similar as they represent different aspects of one quality of consciousness, for example, the quality of concentration is represented by a few cetisikas including one pointedness and tranquility. In the 12th century, Acariya Anuruddha took these 56 cetisikas and reduced them to 38 in the Abhidhammattha-saṅgaha, combing many cetisikas that represent different aspects of the same characteristics of consciousness in to one inclusive quality, e.g. concentration. Nyanatiloka constructs a graph that lists all original 56 cetisikas and Acariya Anuruddha,s 38. The graph further explains which original qualities where combined with which of the newer ones. For me personally, this is an invaluable table in doing research that involves the original Dhammasanganī matrix of kusala cetisikas and the more commonly used reduced matrix of Anuruddha.