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Guy Deutsch
3.0 out of 5 stars A Tiring Read
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2020
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I bought this book as it was very important for me to read a book about the Abhidhamma, it containing the core of Buddhist philosophy and psychology, and this particular manual was recommended to me by one of my meditation teachers, Sayadaw U Vivekananda of Panditarama Lumbini Vipassana Meditation Center in Nepal.
While the intellectual and scholastic achievment of the celebrated Bhikkhu Bodhi is no doubt remarkable, as he goes on exploring the finer points and aspects behind every verse of the Abhidhammattha Sangaha (the Manual of Abhidhamma written by Acariya Anurudha about 800 years ago and serving as the basis for this book), do not look for any inspiration here, as you would find, say, in the works of great Buddhist teachers such as Sayadaw U Pandita or Walpola Rahola.
As the text progresses the discussion becomes more and more technical and tedious, to the point of endlessly enumerating various mental and material phenomena as classified by Buddhist philosophy, their myriad causal and interdependent connections, combinations etc. And so for a great part of the text, you get lists, enumerations, tables and diagrams - which, without detracting from the genius of the author in lucidly presenting them - leave very little room for ideational depth or inspiration for one's journey along the Buddha's path. Finally, my disappointment was aggravated by lengthy and tedious discussions of, say, the 31 "realms of existence" where one may be reborn depending on their karma, life spans in various celestial heavans, and other religious Buddhist beliefs that to me as a secular practicioner of the Noble Eightfold Path are a religious taint detracting from the .deep, practical and non-coneptual universal truths one encounters through the practice of Buddhist meditation
Nevertheless, given the importance of the Abhidhamma for Buddhist practicioners, and the scholarly diligence
with which the author presnets it, I would still recommend it to fellow Dharma-farers, with the caveat that I have not read any other Abhidhamma manuals to compare it with.
8 people found this helpful
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BT
3.0 out of 5 stars BPS Edition is NOT Hardcover
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2019
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Taking away 2 stars because this is NOT hardcover, even though the BPS edition is labeled as such.
All said, this is the updated 2016 edition with updated charts and indexes.
The Abhidhamma itself is a 5 Star Product, with Bhikkhu Bodhi’s excellent guidance and translation.
If you’re looking for a guide through Psycho-Phenomenalogy, or are just interested in seeing how the Theravada school of Buddhism views the phenomenal world and our place in it, this is a great starting point.
4 people found this helpful
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Scott N. Proctor
5.0 out of 5 stars Where to start?
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018
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This book was my introduction to the Abhidhamma, and all of the wonderful deep insights it holds. A true breakdown of the mechanics of consciousness. Bhikku Bodhi did an excellent job in helping the reader understand the subtle nuances of the translation from the original Pali texts. 10/10 Would definitely recommend this to any serious student of the Buddha's teaching!
10 people found this helpful
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Lawrence St Peter
5.0 out of 5 stars Abhiddhamma Studies
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2018
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This is a scholarly work for serious students. Exceptional. May I suggest buying the companion work, 'Process of Consciousness and Matter", by Ven. Dr. Rewata Dhamma. He kicks it up a notch. Referring to the suttas is almost a must.
This Theravadin trusts you will hear the Lions Roar as you study.
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Dominique La Garde
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Greatest Books of this Century
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2015
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I would list this book as one of the greatest books of our century. It makes the Abhidhamma very accessible. Bhikkhu Bodhi is a treasure as a translator and editor. I urge everyone who is involved with the practice of Buddhism to return to the source documents and not depend on Western "teachers". A thorough study of the Abhidhamma has the potential to change your life and I am so thankful for this guide and explanation.
20 people found this helpful
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Kim Stephens
5.0 out of 5 stars Complex and Complete
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2019
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Very complex teachings. But Bhikku Bodhi is a wonderful scholar in accomplishing it. I will digest this in small inncrements.
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Cory Russell
1.0 out of 5 stars Your idea of a hardcover is skewed
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020
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Ordered hardcover, got the right artwork but it is 100% not a hardcover. I even paid extra for the hardcover.
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Mason Ainsworth
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2018
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Arrived on time and is as expected
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h2o_lotus
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2018
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ENLIGHTENING.
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Brian Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars An important read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2020
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Dense. Wonderful.
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