what is difference between suttas and Abhidamma

[Gena1480]

what is difference between suttas and Abhidamma
as far as i can understand they use different words
to express samething
what is the purpose of explaining samething with differents words
a person need to learn extra words for same explanation
would it be easy just use the words used by most people?

[cooran]

Hell Gena1480,

Have a look at this and see what you think:

What is the Abhidhamma?
http://www.buddhanet.net/whatabhi.htm

with metta
Chris

[Jason]

what is difference between suttas and Abhidamma
as far as i can understand they use different words
to express samething
what is the purpose of explaining samething with differents words
a person need to learn extra words for same explanation
would it be easy just use the words used by most people?

Personally, I think that the Abhidhamma Pitaka is essentially a systematization of certain concepts and terms found throughout the Sutta Pitaka — with additional concepts and terms added in for logical consistency — that was possibly intended to act as a pedagogical tool, as well as an attempt to describe the ultimate nature of reality. Many scholars also agree that the Abhidhamma Pitaka was a later addition to the original teachings that gradual developed over several centuries. This is not only evident from the fact that the Abhidhamma utilizes words that are found nowhere else in the Canon, but also from the fact that each school had their own version (some even rejecting it altogether). As such, I don't think that the Abhidhamma Pitaka as we know it today was taught by the Buddha, although I do think that parts of it may have been.

[cooran]

Hey guys,

This is the Classical Mahavihara Theravada - Abhidhamma sub-forum. Not the Dhamma-free-for-all section.

Alan, if you want to debate the third Pitaka of the Buddhist Canon, please go to this thread:

The great Abhidhamma Pitaka authenticity debate
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2169

with metta
Chris

[mikenz66]

Offtopic posts moved to:

The great Abhidhamma Pitaka authenticity debate
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2169

Please see:
Guidelines for the Abhidhamma forum
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=374


Mike

[Sidney]

what is difference between suttas and Abhidamma
as far as i can understand they use different words
to express samething
what is the purpose of explaining samething with differents words
a person need to learn extra words for same explanation
would it be easy just use the words used by most people?

I am not a scholar of Abhidhamma; so I am not in a position to discuus it in length. What I understand about Abhidhamma is as follows:
1. It is first taught to celestial beings as it is more profound and difficult to understand than Suttas.
2. It is the first of the three baskets of Pitaka to disappear from humans when the Gotama Buddha's dispensation period starts to wean.
3. It is said to be the most potent aspect of the Buddha's teachings as it is mentioned that the Buddha started to emit rays and aura only when He
reflected the Pathana of the Abhidhamma with His omnipotent 'Sabinutta nana' after He became the Buddha.
4. and lastly, some aspects of the Abhidhamma are essential to enhance enlightenment;e.g. paticca samupadda
metta,
Sidney