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