Espejo Sideral

In the Encyclopedia of Buddhism, Collett Cox presents a basic introduction to the different senses of the word “Abhidharma”; the main texts in this category; and a brief historical overview. The author explains that the word Abhidharma can refer to: (a) techniques of doctrinal interpretation that emerged after the death of the Buddha, (b) the body of texts that were the product of this approach, and (c) the discriminating insight that was said to be developed through doctrinal interpretation, considered useful for spiritual practice.

In a general sense (at least initially), Abhidharma texts analyzed and systematized the teachings of the sūtras, providing commentaries meant to elucidate their meaning. Scholars believe that this approach might have also been adopted to facilitate memorization of texts, by arranging the teachings into orderly lists and coherent systems. Abhidharma included careful analysis of the constituent factors of reality, discriminating on the basis of whether they are helpful or not in the path to enlightenment. This aspect was not merely an intellectual exercise, as this discernment was meant to be put into practice in daily life. Nevertheless, philosophical discussions became increasingly complex, doctrinal differences eventually arose between schools, and Abhidharma texts sometimes ended up being radically different from the sūtras. Even though not all of the texts have survived, the Sarvāstivāda ontology (preserved in the Chinese canon) is evidence of the high degree of sophistication that was achieved by these Buddhist scholars. 

Overall, I believe that Cox presents a very clear and concise introduction to a very complex subject. Although this is text is simply an entry in the Encyclopedia of Buddhism, a brief reference to the broader Indian tradition would have been interesting, since the tattvas of the Samkhya and Jain traditions show a close resemblance to some of the “dharmas” expounded in Abhidharma texts. The Mahāyāna skepticism of traditional Abhidharma is another topic that is absent from the entry, as is the role of memorization in the development of concentration and mindfulness (a hypothesis discussed by scholars of Vedic traditions).

Cox, Collett. 2003. “Abhidharma: An Overview”. In The Encyclopedia of Buddhism”, Edited by Robert E. Buswell, p.1-7. New York: Gaci.