Focus on Abhidhamma

The Mechanics of Buddhism

Author: Tilak Marapona

Vijitha Yapa Publishers, Colombo

Review: L. JAYASOORIYA

BUDDHISM: The book “Mechanics of Buddhism” hereinafter referred to as MOB begins the introduction with the words “The purpose of this work is to give a better understanding of the underlying principles upon which the Buddha’s preachings are founded upon.

All the faith and engagement in the many popular rituals, good as they may be in themselves, if resorted to with this understanding is bound to be more productive.

This benefit can be reaped only by an exposure to the Abhidhamma. It is the Abhidhamma that explains the workings of the Dhamma and makes it possible for one to understand the relevance of the practices engaged in as a Buddhist.”

The MOB however does not introduce to the reader the full scope of the abhidhamma. The abhidhamma consists of seven books namely the Dhammasangani, Vibhanga, Dhatukatha, Puggalapannatti, Kathavatthu, Yamaha and the Patthana.

Except perhaps the Kathavatthu all these books are relevant. Patthana is a massive treatise while the fountain head of the abhidhamma is the Dhammasangani.

There is in addition a condensed version of the abhidhamma called the Abhidhammattha Sangaha by Acariya Anuruddha. MOB makes much use of the latter book. It is also that book that the YMBA uses to write books on the abhidhamma for Daham Pasal schools and test the children.

Let us begin our inquiry by examining the first of the eight wholesome thoughts on page 15 of MOB stated as “One citta, accompanied by joy, associated with knowledge, unprompted”. [‘Unprompted’ here means ‘not instigated’].

The above first of the eight thoughts comes from the Abhidhammattha Sangaha chapter I item 13. See page 46 of Bhikkhu Bodhi’s “Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma” (Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy) where he has given the original Pali in the Abhidhammattha Sangaha together with the English translation. Let us call this CMA.

Complete understanding

What the general public may not know is the full abhidhamma treatment of MOB. That is what is relevant to its complete understanding. The full treatment of the above condensed version is given on page one of the Dhammasangani as follows:

“When a good thought concerning the sensuous universe has arisen, which is accompanied by gladness and associated with knowledge and has as its object a sight, sound, a smell, a taste, a touch or what not then there arises the following mental factors”.

The Dhammasangani then enumerates 56 mental factors that arise in that state of consciousness and then analyzes all of them one by one. As an example one of the 56 mental factors is stated as the faculty of energy (viriyindriyam), which is defined as follows:

“The mental inception of energy which there is on that occasion, the striving and the onward effort, the exertion and endeavour, the zeal and ardour, the vigour and fortitude, the state of unfaltering effort, the state of sustained desire, the state of unflinching endurance and solid grip of the burden, energy, energy as faculty and as power and right endeavour”.

Similar definitions are given for other 55 factors. This is repeated seven times for the remaining seven of the eight. How boring is this? Apart from that what do we learn from this and what a waste of time? So that is the meaning of items 1 to 8 of the sense sphere wholesome cittas on page 15 of the MOB.

Then there are 12 unwholesome states of consciousness similarly classified, an example of which is item 4 Chapter I number 8 of the 12 from the Abhidhammattha Sangaha which has been stated as “One unwholesome consciousness accompanied by upekkha, dissociated from wrong view and prompted.” This is item 8 on page 13 of the MOB, also shown on page 32 of the CMA.

Consciousness

This clearly makes no sense because all unwholesome states of consciousness are associated with wrong view and none of them can be accompanied by upekkha, which belongs exclusively to the world of Arahats. Number 8 is therefore obviously wrong.

Also would it be possible to prompt an unwholesome thought like murder to a person who will never commit such a crime?

Can we therefore accept these concepts? Even if these states of consciousness were corrected and written in such a way that they make sense what would we learn from them? So that is the meaning of item 8 on page 3 of the MOB.

Classification

Now let us examine the Abhidhamma classification of rupa under an Eight-Fold aspect in chapter V111 of book II. Item (v) in chapter VIII book II says that, “Pleasurable agreeable contact obtainable by touch is rupa cognizable by the body”. Item (vi) is the same as item (v) but with ‘pleasurable’ replaced with ‘unpleasant disagreeable’.

This amounts to defining rupa in terms of vedana which is one of the five mental factors always present in every state of consciousness. Rupa is defined as the external bases of the five sense bases and material objects of the mind base.

These are the definitions made by the Buddha to create the model of the human being called the pancakkhandha for our easy comprehension. Rupa as defined in the model is material phenomena. It has absolutely no connection to feelings (vedana) which are mental phenomena. This therefore is blatantly wrong.

Proceeding to chapter IX book II which defines rupa under a Nine-Fold aspect matter is defined in terms of faculties such as woman-faculty, man-faculty and life-faculty etc.

No wonder that those who have faith in the Abhidhamma find the subject very hard to comprehend if they believe that it is the Buddha word.

In chapter X where rupa is defined under a Ten-Fold aspect item (ix) defines rupa as “not faculty but reacting” and item (x) defines rupa as “not faculty and non-reacting”. Shall we not draw the line about the abhidhamma even at this stage?

What is given in table 5 of page 55 of the MOB is material form by way of dual attributes as given in chapter II of book II of the Dhammasangani. So that is the meaning of table V on page 55 of the MOB.

The reader is invited to read chapter 1 on matter under single concepts and see how much it conveys to him.

Since the MOB does not speak about the Patthana I shall save space by not mentioning what it is.

Original Pali

The Abhidhammattha Sangaha in paragraphs 26 and 27 of chapter one says that there are four stages to Arahatship, namely Sotapatti, Sakadagami, Anagami and Arahatta and defines eight states of consciousness in terms of consciousness of the stages and achieving those stages.

This is on page 19 of the MOB and also on page 65 of CMA where the original Pali and the English translations are both given.

The only place where I was able to find the definitions of the four stages to Arahatship and eight states of consciousness is in items 39 to 50 of chapter one of the Puggalapannatti, which is one of the seven books of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

To me these definitions appear very much like the dogmas in a religion where no questions can be asked. They are very arbitrary and appear to be designed to justify the five so-called higher fetters and the eight states of consciousness found in the Abhidhamma.

These concepts have also crept into the sutta pitaka making those sections impossible to understand. What sense can the reader make of item 42 which states “What sort of person is one who dies and attains Nirvana before half the age he should have lived in a Brahma world expires?”

Only the fabricator of the Puggalapannatti and other Abhidhamma writers could fabricate such things and the five higher fetters which are time-wasting meaningless sentences. So that is the meaning of half of the eight cittas on page 19 of the MOB.

The Abhidhammattha Sangaha explains the cognitive process to consist of two phases, first the sense door process followed by the mind door process.

The concept of karma (Sanskrit) or kamma (Pali) can be very simply expressed in the sutta pitaka as the product of the power of the mental factors used by consciousness multiplied by the time duration it lasts.

This works out to be a simple scalar quantity and the so-called rebirth linking process is simply restoring the link between nama-rupa and vinnana as has been very simply explained in the Mahanidana sutta.

So when MOB, without giving reasons, says in the last paragraph on page 32 going up to page 33 that one could exercise control over one’s thought it is meaningless. I have just illustrated that no control is possible giving reasons.

One last thing about this chapter is that when MOB says that it is craving that gives rise to wrong views, rites and rituals and the idea of a self (p. 85 of the MOB) it is wrong in the basic fundamental dhamma of the paticcasamuppada.

Chronicles of national uprisings

Sinhale Jathika Satan

Author: Dayawansa Jayakody

Dayawansa Jayakody Publishers, Colombo 10

Review: Dr. Senarath TENNAKOON

HISTORY: Dayawansa Jayakody’s Sinhale Jatika Satan is a carefully compiled book on the patriotic uprisings of the Sinhala people against the British Colonial rule. It presents a graphic account.

Dayawansa has extensively used primary as well as secondary sources of data as evidenced by the bibliography. However, he has not merely narrated the national patriotic uprisings as isolated events.

The socio-political and religious context as well as the motives of the colonial rulers and the local population have received the author’s critical observation. Dayawansa, employs a linguistic style that is quite easy flowing, rich in simile and metaphor. The sentences are not too long and not too short.

When he presents a different point of view he directly presents it and then gives the procedures and details. For instance Dayawansa introduces John Doyle as a Government Secret Agent (p.126).

Espionage

John Doyle employed a Buddhist priest called Udugama Unnanse as a secret agent who went on an espionage to identify and discover the identity of the so called Sri Rajasinghe.

This priest through his communication tactics revealed the true nature of the Sinhala King (Sri Rajasinghe). He was none other than a de-robed Buddhist priest named Wilbave from Kurunegala. But Doyle was very sharp not to accept this news without testing. So he made other enquiries through his own officers for confirmation.

He also made use of his presumptions and assumptions before he informed the Governor Brownrigg on 19 March 1818 about the true identity of the so called Sri Rajasinghe, the Sinhala king. (p126-128).

Sinhala heroes

Apart from the key roles played by the Sinhala heroes like Keppitipola, Ahalepola, Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda etc the role played by the Buddhist clergy in preserving the only symbol of national sovereignty, the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, are described in vivid detail inspiring the reader’s focus of concern towards a national ferment.

Dayawansa presents the patriotic icon Keppitipola with great encouragement and enthusiasm.

Keppitipola deserting the British high rank, returning their arms and joining the national uprising struggle, his loyalty to the national cause, his heroic fights and his ultimate heroic death are daringly described by Dayawansa taking exuberant liberties with the Sinhala language.

Dayawansa describes the immediate events prior to the death of Keppitipola in a very sensitive and patriotic tenor, that brings tears over the eyes of the reader (p.182-186).

The colonial rulers were interested in collecting economic harvests, propagating colonial ideals and exploiting the local population.

Military power

While making use of their superior military power, technical and educational knowhow, and administrative capacity as strengths in their rule, also offered various incentives to attract the local leaders and people in their colonial pursuits.

These handful of men are treated as traitors by Dayawansa as they betrayed the national uprisings.

Some had no option against the powerful British colonial power that burned the dwellings and paddy fields while man slaughter was rampant.

The colonial power slaughtered men, women and children and whole villages were destroyed.

Dayawansa also points out the inherent weakness of some of our aristocratic leaders who were in the habit of chopping each other’s neck for power and favour of high position and other benefits.

Kandyan kingdom

The main challenges that the British faced in their power struggle were the geographically in accessible Kandyan kingdom, dedication and valour of the local people to safeguard culture and heritage and the presence of some remarkable local leaders and Buddhist monks.

Sinhale Jatika Satan presents an elaborate narration of the Sinhala national uprisings. There is a long introduction and there are some essays included in the publication which would encourage the reader to grasp the patriotic stance of the author.

This 300 page book is quite easy to read. The strengths, challenges, the weaknesses and the failures of the Sinhala national uprisings are covered.

A few photographs, line drawings and maps could have added to its richness and value.

Photographic portfolio of birds in Sri Lanka

The Feathers

Author: M.S.N.L. de Costa

Review: Prof. S.W. Kotagama

Ornithologist, Professor of Environmental Science.

BIRDS: Many factors contribute to the diversity of living organisms. This diversity brings colour and inspiration to one of the dominant members of the living world. Its presence, while bringing additional colour and features has also caused massive changes, that threats its very survival.

This organism is Man - a unique species which tries not to be a member of the animal world. We in our quest to survive has with the intuitive capacities changed over a small time to build a diverse culture of activities. Among the diverse such activities and equipment are the camera and photography.

The activity of photography through use of the camera has resulted in capturing the beauty of nature to end up in print for posterity. Ingenuity has put to effect the use of a “Picture capture equipment” to provide a record of the part of the capture of our event, and finally to a new era of expression.

The use of the ‘camera’ and the ‘art of photography’ are two areas that have their own independent pathways, but meet to produce “works of art” and information. Assisting this process are the birds of a country with an array of colours, and actions.

Birds have turned out to become one of the most photographed group of animals. With diverse behaviours, and settings bird photography has always been challenging.

To be able to make the “pictures speak for themselves” or for them to be of “outstanding art” quality and intimate knowledge of the birds, the equipment and the subject of photography are needed.

Sri Lanka has 482 species/ sub species recorded as Indigenous, Migrant, Oceanic and Vagrants. Of these around 220 species are breeding residents.

From among these 27 species are definite - endemics while 6 are proposed; making a grand total of 33. About 145 are migrant while another 117 are vagrant.

The endemics and breeding residence species are colourful and ‘photogenic’ while most of the migrants are drab.

They are all however ‘active’ and of diverse character. The challenge of the photographer is to capture this diversity to ensure that the picture in print ‘speaks’ and stimulate the imagination of the viewer.

‘Feathers’ is a collection of bird photographs, which reflect very well the above understanding of the ‘Camera’ the ‘art of photography’ and ‘the bird’.

Some pictures such as those of the mating postures of Blue-tailed Bee-eater (29), the flying Long-billed Sunbird (76) and the plunging Heron (19) show the patience and attentiveness of the author.

Good frames of such activities need intuition, patience and reflexes to click the camera at the right time. Even if the picture is one of many the author has noticed the event for record.

To freeze subject postures and expressions to be interesting and thought provoking is also a special talent.

We may not really know what the ‘bird’ is ‘saying or thinking’ but to be able to make some “anthropogenic conclusion” based on the frozen picture is fun and provocative. Many pictures by the author can be subject to this analysis.

The Jungle Fowl (12) pops his head out from behind a trunk “whose these!!”; Three Ashy-headed Babblers (16) a very rare picture, all attentive and asking “who is this!!”;

The female India Koel (38), yelling at the top of her voice ‘leave me alone!! - Probably disturbed by the intruding author. Least concerned by the authors intrusion the Brown Hawk Owl (72) caresses her mate with affection.

After which the male (probably) (73) question the authors presence while female (probably) look on with a humble why do you have to look!!

The book is full of such interesting stories that one can write. A hall mark of good product of art. A must for birders, art conncissures and photographers.

Story of an American woman

Living History (LH)

Hillary Rodham

Clinton - memoirs

Review: Sydney Knight

MEMOIRS: This is an updated edition published by Headline in 2003.

Hillary Clinton (HC) has dedicated her story to her parents, husband and daughter and all the good souls around the World.

LH is the story of an American woman (HC). This story begins with her life at University, the class of’ 69, her meeting with her future husband who subsequently became the President of the USA in 1992.

From then on her story becomes a part of his story. The saga of Bill Clinton (BC) from Arkansas to Washington. It is not however the BC story only; HC’s interest in Health Care, Women’s Rights and thus her travels to China, Asia and Africa are all narrated.

There are also the scandals, the Wihtewater, Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky etc. The role of the Independent Counsel, the Impeachment are all recorded.

Interwoven are the stories of her daughter and family and friends.

HC has recorded her Conversations with Eleanor Roosevelt. A First Lady turning to a former one at times of need. For me the most captivating words in the HC story were found on Page 277 of the Paperback.

Too many women

In too many countries

Speak the same langauge of silence......

Words from a poem entitled “Silence” by an Indian Student Anusuya Sengupta, then a student of Lady Sri Ram College, a secondary school.

HC used this poem to make her point in India. The poem certainly touched a chord in HC’s life.

For her life was not a bed of roses. It certainly had its peaks but HC and her daughter Chelsea and others close to them, family, friends and also BC had to endure public scrutiny. The price those holding public office have to pay.

Nevertheless the HC story as stated in her Memoirs does not end with shame but has a new beginning with her entry to the Senate as from New York. With HC’s re-election to the Senate and now the entry to the Democratic Race to the White House in 2008 HC will be in the news.

With the USA a major player in world politics HC will certainly be a person to be considered in the world of news making.

It is a story of ambition coupled with humanity. It is her faith in God and His Grace that has helped HC to go through life, the life that was is so many ways determined by BC.

Hence a MUST reading for a look at modern US history. A vital link to understand our Global Village today.