Buddhist Philosophy of the Theravada

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ABOUT THE BOOK In this book an attempt is made to represent the Theravada in its faithful form. This work is purely altruistic. It is for the reader and for the scholar to justify how far this position is distensible in the course of the lecturer in this book.

In India, Pali Abhidhamma is as yet a scaled book and hence we have done a splendid work in the cause of knowledge and philosophy.

A WORD Indian scholars or students of Philosophy are not generally disposed to understand the Dhamma of the Buddha, in its proper perspective. The fundamental difference in the two doctrines of Being and Becoming makes it absolutely impossible for them to realize Gotama's teachings. In these Lectures an attempt is made to represent the Theravada in its faithful form. The latter is to my mind, the nearest approach to Gotama's word. Philosophy has, according to Gotama, to be studied by analysis, reflection, abstract meditation, self-introspection and actual realization. Abhidhamma in its Categorical form is the analysed representation of the human being, as he is constituted-both from within and without, the nature of the universe, in which he finds himself and the ideal, to which he should aspire. The flash (oloko) of truth and its subsequent realisation are shown as the essence of Arhatship. The Arhã, who has secured his emancipation by citta (Samadhi) and Pañña (Insight), is entirely free from all bonds, since he has none left and out of compassion, rejoicing and Mett (Love) for the Bahujanas, he wanders over the face of this world to serve mankind by properly enlightening them and leading them on the path of Correctness for the utter extinction of suffering. This work is purely altruistic. It is for the reader and the scholar to judge how far this position is discernible in the course of these lectures. Lastly, I cannot adequately thank the Patna University for having given me an opportunity to give expression to my views about the Theravada Abhidhamma by its representation in these lectures. In India, Pali Abhidhamma is as yet a sealed book and hence the University has done a splendid work in the cause of knowledge and philosophy. The word of Gotama was intended for the people of Magadha, to whom this humble attempt of mine has been dedicated and it is but in fitness of things that they should have been first to encourage a study of that Philosophy in their University.

**Contents and Sample Pages**