BPG. 201 – Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy
Syllabus
Special attention is drawn here to the Canonical and post Canonical Abhidhamma Literature which embodies the Theravada interpretation of Dhammas, even though the entire Tipiṭaka and its Commentaries are considered as the sources of Theravāda. Accordingly, the following topics should be studied here. How the analysis of Khanda, Āyatana and Dhātu found in the discourses form the basis for the analysis of Nāma and Rūpa in Abhidhamma, analysis and synthesis of Dhammas and their conditionality, division of reality and truths convention and absolute, paññatti and its classifications, psychology based on the analysis of mind and mental concomitants, analysis of matter: Nippanna and Anippanna rūpa and the concept of rūpakalāpa, interpretation of impermanence as momentariness; concept of bhavaṅga, process of consciousness and sense perception, psychology and ethics of Abhidhamma, concentration and insight methods of meditation, Abhidhammic interpretation of Nibbāna and the path leading to the Nibbāna.
Recommended Reading:
1. The Abhidhamma Philosophy, Vo. I&II J. Kasyapa, Delhi, 1943
2. Buddhist Analysis of Matter Y. Karunadasa, Colombo, 1967
3. Buddhist Manual of Psychological Ethics Dr. Mrs. Rhys Davids, London, 1923
4. Buddhist Psychology of Perception E. R. Saratchandra, Colombo, 1955
5. Central Conception of Buddhism K. Stcherbatsky, Calcutta, 1956
6. Philosophy and Psychology in the Abhidhamma Herbert V. Guenther, Delhi, 1979
7. Introduction to Buddhist Psychology M. W. P. de Silva, London, 1979
8. Early History of the Sprad of Buddhism and the Buddhist Schools N. Dutt, New Delhi, 1980
9. Guide Through the Abhidhamma Piṭaka Nyanatiloka, Colombo, 1957
10. The Psychological Attitude of Early Buddhist Philosophy Lama Anagarika Govinda
Recommended Reading:
1. The Abhidhamma Philosophy, Vo. I&II J. Kasyapa, Delhi, 1943
2. Buddhist Analysis of Matter Y. Karunadasa, Colombo, 1967
3. Buddhist Manual of Psychological Ethics Dr. Mrs. Rhys Davids, London, 1923
4. Buddhist Psychology of Perception E. R. Saratchandra, Colombo, 1955
5. Central Conception of Buddhism K. Stcherbatsky, Calcutta, 1956
6. Philosophy and Psychology in the Abhidhamma Herbert V. Guenther, Delhi, 1979
7. Introduction to Buddhist Psychology M. W. P. de Silva, London, 1979
8. Early History of the Sprad of Buddhism and the Buddhist Schools N. Dutt, New Delhi, 1980
9. Guide Through the Abhidhamma Piṭaka Nyanatiloka, Colombo, 1957
10. The Psychological Attitude of Early Buddhist Philosophy Lama Anagarika Govinda
Examination Questions
2007
Explain the analysis of the five aggregates as depicted in early Buddhist suttas.
Clarify the asaṅkhāta Dhamma (the unconditioned) with an explanation of the Abhidhammic exposition of the term 'Dhamma'.
Examine the relative dependence of 'nāma – rūpa' which causes the Saṃsāric existence of the individual.
Explain with examples how Sarvāstivādins and Sautrāntikas have examined the five aggregates.
Examine with examples how the doctrinal issues have been analyzed by the indirect (neyyattha) and direct (nītattha) methods.
Discuss the Philosophical significance of the exposition of the Sammuti Sacca (conventional truth) and Paramattha Sacca (ultimate truth).
Reveal the teachings regarding Nibbāna and the Path leading to Nibbāna according to the Abhidhamma.
Explain how sammā diṭṭhi (right view) helps for the accomplishment of sīla (conduct) and samādhi (concentration) on the basis of Theravāda expositions.
With an introduction to the theory of moments discuss the factors that led to its origin.
Examine the philosophical significance of the Buddhist teaching of anattā.
2006
Giving various meanings of the term Abhidhamma, discuss the factors which led to the origin of the Abhidhamma.
Examine whether it is possible to assign the authorship of the Abhidhamma to the Buddha.
Explain the gradual development of personality with reference to the analysis of mind in Abhidhamma.
Discuss how the conventional truth leads to the absolute truth and the absolute truth to the realization of Nibbāna.
Explain how the concept of impermanence pertaining to unconditioned phenomena in early Buddhism is the basis of the theory of moments in the Abhidhamma.
Examine how the analysis of matter in the Abhidhamma has developed into the 'theory of atoms'.
While analysing name and form int the Abhidhamma (nāma-rūpa Dhamma) examine the discourses which paved the way for it.
Discuss how the theory of 'dhammā' in the Abhidhamma has been criticized by the traditional Buddhist teachers of the past.
Explain the Puggalavāda and examine the Abhidhammic response to it.
Write short notes on any four of the following:
I. Division between neyyattha and nītattha
II. Vibhajjavāda
III. ParamatthaDhamma
IV. Sarvāstivāda
V. Dvādasayatana
VI. Meditation
2005
Discuss the sources that are relevant to the studies of Theravāda Abhidhamma.
Give the multiple meanings of the term Abhidhamma and explain the reasons for the emergence of Abhidhamma.
Explain how the analysis of five aggregates, sensory faculties and elements helped in the formation of Abhidhammic analysis of name and form (nāma-rūpa).
Name the twenty-eight forms of matter in the Theravāda Abhidhamma and explain the intricacte analysis of matter.
Discuss similarities and dissimilarities of the Abhidhammic psycho-analysis in comparison with the psycho-analysis of early Buddhism.
What is the 'theory of Dhamma' in Abhidhamma? Examine carefully the philosophical trends that arose in response to the Dhammavāda.
Explain how the concept of impermanence in the early discourses transformed into theory of moments in Abhidhamma.
Explain the Abhidhammic analysis of two-fold truth (dvi-sacca) transformed into theory of moments in Abhidhamma.
Explain the Abhidhammic analysis of two-fold truth (dvi-sacca) with reference to the teachings in the Pāli Nikāyas.
Explain whether there are any similarities between the Abhidhammic and canonical analysis of Nibbāna.
Write short notes on four of the following:
I. Interactions between mind and mental concomitants (cetasikas)
II. Samathā meditation
III. Seven-fold conditionalities of Dhamma (sapratyatā)
IV. Divisions of rūpa (rūpa kalāpa)
V. Abhidhamma Piṭaka
VI. Vibhajjavāda
2004
Examine how far the analytical method on 'Dhamma' concept followed by Abhidhammikas would enable to understand Buddhist philosophy?
Give definition to Abhidhamma and explain the similarities and dissimilaties between the theories of Theravāda and Sarvāstivāda.
Examine the efforts taken by Abhidhammic philosophers to explain the concept of impermanency by applying the theory of momentariness.
Give reasons as to why the Abhidhammikas utilize sammuti (convention) and paramattha (absolute) to explain the truth.
Explain the psychological basis found in the analysis of mind in Abhidhamma.
Bring out the fundamental features of the kiriyacitta (functional consciousness) and examine whether that could be used in practical life.
Examine whether it is possible to compare relative existence of name and form in early Buddhist teachings with that of Abhidhamma analysis.
Examine the saṅsāric existence of a being in relation to grouping of the material form in Abhidhamma.
Discuss whether it is reasonable to introduce Buddha as a Vibhajjavādin as mentioned in the Kathāvatthuppakarana.
Write short notes on four of the following.
1. Pudgalavāda
2. Vipassanā Bhāvanā (insight meditation)
3. Saptaprakaraṇa Grantha
4. Difference between Nīthatha and Neyattha Desanā
5. Catu paramattha (Fourfold realities)
6. Niśpanna and Abhiniśpanna rūpa
Explain in great detail the system of religious training in ‘full knowledge’, cover in the whole being of the Buddhist doctrine of self-enlightenment.
2003
Explain how the existence of a being takes place through the interaction of name and form (nāma-rūpa).
Discuss the analysis of mind in Theravāda Abhidhamma, with reference to analysis of mind and mental concomitants.
Explain how to differentiate conditional (sankhāta) Dhamma from unconditional (asankhāta) Dhamma.
Examine the basic factors that led the Abhidhammika thinkers to the division of truth into two conventional truth and absolute truth (sammuti sacca – paramattha sacca).
Investigate whether the theory of momentariness in the Abhidhamma can be compared with the canonical sources.
Point out the various definitions of the concept of dharma and discuss the matters that brought about the rising of Dharmavāda.
Examine whether the analysis of rūpa dharma in the Abhidharma is similar or different with early Buddhism.
Explain how the realization gained through the analysis of five aggregates lead to the development of insight knowledge.
Examine the Abhidhammic views on the emancipation and the path leading to it.
Write short notes on four of the following:
1. Analysis of faculties and elements
2. Inseparable material dhammās
3. Thought processes
4. Samathā meditation
5. Saptappakaraṇa
6. Conditionality of dhammās.
2002
Introduce definition for Abhidhamma and examine historical factors that led to the emergence of Abhidhamma.
Explain what is meant by the personalist theory (Puggalavāda) and discuss how the Theravādins reject it.
Examine to what extent early Buddhist thinking agrees with the interpretation given to the dhammā (dharmās) by the Abhidhammikas.
Review the theory of moment (kṣanavāda) as found in other schools of Buddhism.
Discuss the paranormal psychological abilities that could be developed through the practice of calm (samathā) and insight (vipassanā) meditation.
Give an ethical evaluation to the analysis of mind (citta) as undertaken in the Abhidhamma.
Discuss the systematic development of the individual personality as implied in the analysis of absolute Dhamma (paramattha Dhamma) followed in the Abhidhamma.
Show whether Nibbāna could be identified as an ultimate reality according to early Buddhism.
Clarify the process of consciousness (citta vithi) and sense-perception (indriya ñāna) in the light of Abhidhamma in Theravāda.
Write notes on any four of the following:
I. Units of matter (rūpa kalāpa)
II. Methods of analysis of Dhamma
III. Analysis of derived (niśpanna) and underived (aniśpanna) matter
IV. Seven stages of purification (sapta visuddhi)
V. Five super-normal powers (pañcābhiññā)
VI. Distinction between direct meaning (nitattha) and indirect meaning (neyyatha)
2001 (or 2007?)
Make a critical survey of the second council and trace the causes that led to the division of original Saṅgha into eighteen schools.
Give an account of the fundamental teachings of the Mahāsaṅghika school with emphasis on its history.
Compare and contrast the Sarvāstivāda analysis of dhammās with that of Theravāda.
Point out the main arguments put forward by Sarvāstivādins to validate the tri-temporal existence of dharmās.
Survey the fundamental teachings of Sautrāntikas in relation to early Buddhism.
Examine 'the theory of moment' as discussed in the Theravāda tradition.
Elucidate the mutual relationship between the conventional truth and the absolute truth according to Theravāda tradition.
Examine the causes that led to the emergence of Puggalavāda and discuss the reasons put forward by them to establish their theories.
Explain the theory of perception as described in Theravāda Abhidhamma.
Write short notes on any four of the following:
I. Idealism
II. Mahīśāsaka school
III. Moggaliputtatissa Thera
IV. Mahābhūta
V. Dharmaguptas
VI. Vibhajjavāda
Explain the analysis of the five aggregates as depicted in early Buddhist suttas.
Clarify the asaṅkhāta Dhamma (the unconditioned) with an explanation of the Abhidhammic exposition of the term 'Dhamma'.
Examine the relative dependence of 'nāma – rūpa' which causes the Saṃsāric existence of the individual.
Explain with examples how Sarvāstivādins and Sautrāntikas have examined the five aggregates.
Examine with examples how the doctrinal issues have been analyzed by the indirect (neyyattha) and direct (nītattha) methods.
Discuss the Philosophical significance of the exposition of the Sammuti Sacca (conventional truth) and Paramattha Sacca (ultimate truth).
Reveal the teachings regarding Nibbāna and the Path leading to Nibbāna according to the Abhidhamma.
Explain how sammā diṭṭhi (right view) helps for the accomplishment of sīla (conduct) and samādhi (concentration) on the basis of Theravāda expositions.
With an introduction to the theory of moments discuss the factors that led to its origin.
Examine the philosophical significance of the Buddhist teaching of anattā.
2006
Giving various meanings of the term Abhidhamma, discuss the factors which led to the origin of the Abhidhamma.
Examine whether it is possible to assign the authorship of the Abhidhamma to the Buddha.
Explain the gradual development of personality with reference to the analysis of mind in Abhidhamma.
Discuss how the conventional truth leads to the absolute truth and the absolute truth to the realization of Nibbāna.
Explain how the concept of impermanence pertaining to unconditioned phenomena in early Buddhism is the basis of the theory of moments in the Abhidhamma.
Examine how the analysis of matter in the Abhidhamma has developed into the 'theory of atoms'.
While analysing name and form int the Abhidhamma (nāma-rūpa Dhamma) examine the discourses which paved the way for it.
Discuss how the theory of 'dhammā' in the Abhidhamma has been criticized by the traditional Buddhist teachers of the past.
Explain the Puggalavāda and examine the Abhidhammic response to it.
Write short notes on any four of the following:
I. Division between neyyattha and nītattha
II. Vibhajjavāda
III. ParamatthaDhamma
IV. Sarvāstivāda
V. Dvādasayatana
VI. Meditation
2005
Discuss the sources that are relevant to the studies of Theravāda Abhidhamma.
Give the multiple meanings of the term Abhidhamma and explain the reasons for the emergence of Abhidhamma.
Explain how the analysis of five aggregates, sensory faculties and elements helped in the formation of Abhidhammic analysis of name and form (nāma-rūpa).
Name the twenty-eight forms of matter in the Theravāda Abhidhamma and explain the intricacte analysis of matter.
Discuss similarities and dissimilarities of the Abhidhammic psycho-analysis in comparison with the psycho-analysis of early Buddhism.
What is the 'theory of Dhamma' in Abhidhamma? Examine carefully the philosophical trends that arose in response to the Dhammavāda.
Explain how the concept of impermanence in the early discourses transformed into theory of moments in Abhidhamma.
Explain the Abhidhammic analysis of two-fold truth (dvi-sacca) transformed into theory of moments in Abhidhamma.
Explain the Abhidhammic analysis of two-fold truth (dvi-sacca) with reference to the teachings in the Pāli Nikāyas.
Explain whether there are any similarities between the Abhidhammic and canonical analysis of Nibbāna.
Write short notes on four of the following:
I. Interactions between mind and mental concomitants (cetasikas)
II. Samathā meditation
III. Seven-fold conditionalities of Dhamma (sapratyatā)
IV. Divisions of rūpa (rūpa kalāpa)
V. Abhidhamma Piṭaka
VI. Vibhajjavāda
2004
Examine how far the analytical method on 'Dhamma' concept followed by Abhidhammikas would enable to understand Buddhist philosophy?
Give definition to Abhidhamma and explain the similarities and dissimilaties between the theories of Theravāda and Sarvāstivāda.
Examine the efforts taken by Abhidhammic philosophers to explain the concept of impermanency by applying the theory of momentariness.
Give reasons as to why the Abhidhammikas utilize sammuti (convention) and paramattha (absolute) to explain the truth.
Explain the psychological basis found in the analysis of mind in Abhidhamma.
Bring out the fundamental features of the kiriyacitta (functional consciousness) and examine whether that could be used in practical life.
Examine whether it is possible to compare relative existence of name and form in early Buddhist teachings with that of Abhidhamma analysis.
Examine the saṅsāric existence of a being in relation to grouping of the material form in Abhidhamma.
Discuss whether it is reasonable to introduce Buddha as a Vibhajjavādin as mentioned in the Kathāvatthuppakarana.
Write short notes on four of the following.
1. Pudgalavāda
2. Vipassanā Bhāvanā (insight meditation)
3. Saptaprakaraṇa Grantha
4. Difference between Nīthatha and Neyattha Desanā
5. Catu paramattha (Fourfold realities)
6. Niśpanna and Abhiniśpanna rūpa
Explain in great detail the system of religious training in ‘full knowledge’, cover in the whole being of the Buddhist doctrine of self-enlightenment.
2003
Explain how the existence of a being takes place through the interaction of name and form (nāma-rūpa).
Discuss the analysis of mind in Theravāda Abhidhamma, with reference to analysis of mind and mental concomitants.
Explain how to differentiate conditional (sankhāta) Dhamma from unconditional (asankhāta) Dhamma.
Examine the basic factors that led the Abhidhammika thinkers to the division of truth into two conventional truth and absolute truth (sammuti sacca – paramattha sacca).
Investigate whether the theory of momentariness in the Abhidhamma can be compared with the canonical sources.
Point out the various definitions of the concept of dharma and discuss the matters that brought about the rising of Dharmavāda.
Examine whether the analysis of rūpa dharma in the Abhidharma is similar or different with early Buddhism.
Explain how the realization gained through the analysis of five aggregates lead to the development of insight knowledge.
Examine the Abhidhammic views on the emancipation and the path leading to it.
Write short notes on four of the following:
1. Analysis of faculties and elements
2. Inseparable material dhammās
3. Thought processes
4. Samathā meditation
5. Saptappakaraṇa
6. Conditionality of dhammās.
2002
Introduce definition for Abhidhamma and examine historical factors that led to the emergence of Abhidhamma.
Explain what is meant by the personalist theory (Puggalavāda) and discuss how the Theravādins reject it.
Examine to what extent early Buddhist thinking agrees with the interpretation given to the dhammā (dharmās) by the Abhidhammikas.
Review the theory of moment (kṣanavāda) as found in other schools of Buddhism.
Discuss the paranormal psychological abilities that could be developed through the practice of calm (samathā) and insight (vipassanā) meditation.
Give an ethical evaluation to the analysis of mind (citta) as undertaken in the Abhidhamma.
Discuss the systematic development of the individual personality as implied in the analysis of absolute Dhamma (paramattha Dhamma) followed in the Abhidhamma.
Show whether Nibbāna could be identified as an ultimate reality according to early Buddhism.
Clarify the process of consciousness (citta vithi) and sense-perception (indriya ñāna) in the light of Abhidhamma in Theravāda.
Write notes on any four of the following:
I. Units of matter (rūpa kalāpa)
II. Methods of analysis of Dhamma
III. Analysis of derived (niśpanna) and underived (aniśpanna) matter
IV. Seven stages of purification (sapta visuddhi)
V. Five super-normal powers (pañcābhiññā)
VI. Distinction between direct meaning (nitattha) and indirect meaning (neyyatha)
2001 (or 2007?)
Make a critical survey of the second council and trace the causes that led to the division of original Saṅgha into eighteen schools.
Give an account of the fundamental teachings of the Mahāsaṅghika school with emphasis on its history.
Compare and contrast the Sarvāstivāda analysis of dhammās with that of Theravāda.
Point out the main arguments put forward by Sarvāstivādins to validate the tri-temporal existence of dharmās.
Survey the fundamental teachings of Sautrāntikas in relation to early Buddhism.
Examine 'the theory of moment' as discussed in the Theravāda tradition.
Elucidate the mutual relationship between the conventional truth and the absolute truth according to Theravāda tradition.
Examine the causes that led to the emergence of Puggalavāda and discuss the reasons put forward by them to establish their theories.
Explain the theory of perception as described in Theravāda Abhidhamma.
Write short notes on any four of the following:
I. Idealism
II. Mahīśāsaka school
III. Moggaliputtatissa Thera
IV. Mahābhūta
V. Dharmaguptas
VI. Vibhajjavāda
