Abhidhamma Pitaka

Tipitaka >> Abhidhamma Pitaka

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the last of the three divisions of the Tipitaka. The compilation of the Buddha's teachings classified as the Abhidhamma deals with the quintessence of the Doctrine in purely academic terms, without reference to individuals and events. Published in 12 volumes, the Abhidhamma is divided into seven treatises (known by their abbreviations as Sam, Vi, Dha, Pu, Ka, Ya, and Pa) as follows:

1. Dhammasangani 'Enumeration of Phenomena'

2. Vibhanga 'The Book of Divisions'

3. Dhatukatha 'Discussion with Reference to the Elements'

4. Puggalapannatti 'Designation of Individuals'

5. Kathavatthu 'Points of Controversy'

6. Yamaka 'The Book of Pairs'

7. Patthana 'The Book of Conditional Relations'

The genesis for the Abhidhamma Pitaka is controversial. The traditional, "Commentarial" view, is that the Abhidhamma Pitaka was taught by the Buddha years after his Enlightenment, although it was conceived by him in the days following his emancipation. According to Theravada tradition, this systematic exposition of the Dhamma was transmitted to the devas of the Tavatimsa heaven, who were entrusted to keeping this doctrine safe until such time as the Buddha thought it appropriate to reveal these teachings to his disciples in the human realm.

SourceWikitipitaka