Course Outline: BP305 Theravada Abhidhamma, 2011/2012, Semester 1

Basic Data
Program: 
Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
First Semester (July 11 – November 12, 2011) Academic year 2011/2012
Subject: 
BP305 - Theravada Abhidhamma
Credit / status: 
3 credits / Major required subject
Instructor: 
Prof. Dr. Tilak Kariyawasam
Recommended Texts: 
  • Bodhi Bhikkhu. Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma: The Abhidhammattha Sangaha. Singapore: n.p., 2008. Print.
  • Karunadasa, Y. The Theravada Abhidhamma – Its Inquiry into the Nature of Conditioned Reality. HK: Centre of Buddhist Studies, U of Hong Kong, 2010. Print.
  • Sumanapala, G.D. An Introduction to Theravada Abhidhamma. Singapore: Buddhist Research Soc., 1998. Print.
  • De Silva, C.L.A. A Treatise on Buddhist Philosophy of Abhidhamma. Delhi: Sri Satguru, 1997. Print.
  • Stcherbatsky, Th. The Central Conception of Buddhism. Reprint. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1994. Print.
  • Nyanatiloka Mahathera. Guide Through the Abhidhamma Pitaka. 5th ed. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Soc, 2007. Print.
  • Pandey, Satyendra Kumara. Abhidharma Philosophy. India: Namse Bangdzo, 2002. Print.
  • Nyanaponika Thera, Abhidhamma Studies- Buddhist Exploration of Consciousness and Time. U.S.A.: Wisdom, 1998. Print.
Course Organization: 
  • Lecture 1: Investigation of the meaning of Dhamma.
  • Lecture 2: The Dhamma Theory as Central conception of Buddhism.
  • Lecture 3: Abhidhamma – Origin and Development.
  • Lecture 4: Literary Survey of Abhidhamma and the Abhidhammattha Sangaha.
  • Lecture 5: Analysis of Paramattha and Pannatti Dhamma and a person taken as a cluster of Nama-rupa. (Nama-rupa punja).
  • Lecture 6: Classification of Consciouness (Citta) in to Sense-Sphere, Fine-Material- Sphere, Immaterial –Sphere and Supramundane Consciousness.
  • Lecture 7: Mental factors (Cetasika) and their combination with the mind.
  • Lecture 8: Cognitive process and the development of the concept of Bhavanga Citta.
  • Lecture 9: Attainments of Jhana and the details of the eight Jhanas.
  • Lecture10: Kamma and the theory of Re-becoming.
  • Lecture 11: Analysis of Matter (Rupa): Four Great Matter (Mahabhuta rupa) and twenty four.
  • Lecture 12: Dependent Matter (Upada Rupa).
  • Lecture 13: Origination and occurrence of Material Phenomena.
  • Lecture 14: Theory of Cause and effects and conditional relations.
  • Lecture 15: Methodology of Abhidhamma: Analysis and Synthesis.
Course Requirements: 

The students are expected to expand their knowledge of the subject covered in the description, questions and discussions will be encouraged. Mid-term test will be held to determine the improvement of their knowledge of the subject and a suitable amount of time will be allocated at the end of the course for review and preparation for the examination. Attendance at lectures 80%, a written assignment on a topic given by the Department, between 1000-1500 words and final examination will be required.

Allocation of Marks: 
  • Class Participation 5%
  • Written Assignment 15%
  • Mid –Term Test 20%
  • Final Examination 60%
Course Objectives: 

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Grading: 

All tests, assignments and examinations are graded as follows with grade point and numerical marks:

Grade Performance Grade value Percentage Equivalence
A+ Excellent 4.0 90-100
A Almost Excellent 3.75 85-89
A- Fairly Excellent 3.5 80-84
B+ Very Good 3.25 75-79
B Good 3.0 70-74
B- Fairly Good 2.75 65-69
C+ Fair 2.5 60-64
C Satisfactory 2.25 55-59
C- Minimum Satisfactory 2.0 50-54
D+ Fairly Poor 1.5 40-49
D Poor 1.0 30-39
F Fail 0.0 29 or less
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn because of failure
AU Audit