A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma Paperback – September 1, 2003
by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Editor)
4.4 out of 5 stars 89 ratings
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This modern translation of the Abhidhammattha Sangaha (Manual of Abhidhamma) offers an introduction to Buddhism's fundamental philosophical psychology. Originally written in the 11th or 12th century, the Sangaha has served as the key to wisdom held in the Abhidhamma. Concisely surveyed are Abhidhamma's central themes, including states of consciousness and mental factors, the functions and processes of the mind, the material world, dependent arising, and the methods and stages of meditation. This presents an exact translation of the Sangaha alongside the original Pali text. A detailed, explanatory guide with more than 40 charts and tables lead readers through the complexities of Adhidhamma. This replaces 9552401038.
5.0 out of 5 stars 10
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Editorial Reviews
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“Bhikkhu Bodhi and the others who have contributed to this truly comprehensive manual of the mind have done a masterful job.” —Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author, Emotional Intelligence
“Bhikkhu Bodhi and the others who have contributed to this truly comprehensive manual of the mind have done a masterful job.” —Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author, Emotional Intelligence
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About the Author
Bhikkhu Bodhi is the general editor and president of the Buddhist Publication Society in Sri Lanka. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Claremont Graduate School and was ordained as a monk in Sri Lanka. He is the author, translator, and editor of several books, including Connected Discourses of the Buddha, Discourse on the All-Embracing Net Views, and Numerical Discourses of the Buddha.
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Product details
Publisher : Pariyatti Publishing; Buddhist Publication Society, Sri Lanka edition (September 1, 2003)
Language : English
Paperback : 428 pages
ISBN-10 : 1928706029
ISBN-13 : 978-1928706021
Item Weight : 1.36 pounds
Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.07 x 8.5 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #459,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#2,511 in Buddhism (Books)
#3,467 in Medical General Psychology
#19,118 in Psychology & Counseling
Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars 89 ratings
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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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.
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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.
6 people found this helpful
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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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jason17
5.0 out of 5 stars ANALISI DEI PROCESSI MENTALI
Reviewed in Italy on May 20, 2016
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Questo manuale è un testo didattico per gli studenti del Buddismo Theravada, un compendio analitico del terzo cesto del Canone Pali, l'Abhidhamma ( letteralmente " padroneggiare la Dottrina " ) Pitaka, composto da 7 volumi. Non è una lettura scorrevole, come i testi del Sutta Pitaka, ma un libro da studiare per addentrarsi nei processi mentali; le 89 o 121 coscienze, i 52 fattori mentali, e i 28 fenomeni materiali s'intersecano tra loro per fornire risposte e soluzioni. Una chiave di lettura differente ed evoluta del Buddismo, indispensabile per la formazione teorica che prepara il terreno per la corretta pratica meditativa. Caldeggiato con riserva, non per esordienti, indispensabile per coloro che vogliono approfondire il sentiero.
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J_Man
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Abhidhamma source
Reviewed in Spain on September 3, 2019
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Surprised by this book. I always appreciate the great balance between precision and readability that Bhikkhu Bodhi brings into his books. And if the book is about Abhidhamma, this is even more appreciated. I'm far from being an expert, but I'd happily recommend it.
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michele biotti
5.0 out of 5 stars Completo
Reviewed in Italy on June 18, 2015
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Un commento sistematico di un'opera grandiosa, la cui indagine della coscienza è la più raffinata che io conosca. I passaggi dell'autore chiariscono i punti più criptici. Certo, alcune parti sono degli elenchi, ma è utile sapere perché un certo fattore sia posto da una parte piuttosto che dall'altra.
Per i buddisti più "esperti", potrebbe destare delle inaspettate scoperte.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Abhidhamma made more approachable
Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2017
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This is an excellent book that really helps to unravel the complexity of the Abhidhamma. As I understand it, this is a commentary on a commentary, but I can see why it's needed. Bikkhu Bodhi has a very straightforward approach to explaining the rationale behind some of the seemingly impenetrable descriptions that the Abhidhamma offers for the various types of mind cittas that we all experience. If when reading this book you supplement it with watching the YouTube videos that have been posted by Bhikkhu Bodhi, you will benefit greatly from the experience.
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Abhinav
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on June 26, 2018
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Beautifully Presented. I began to like Buddhism more after reading this book.
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