Dear Thomas,
Op 9-aug-2010, om 3:05 heeft thomaslaw03 het volgende geschreven:

> Do you mean that the term, Maatikaa, `does not actually presented'
> in the other six Abhidhamma books, but only in meaning, Maatikaa
> ("a table of contents, or matrix") can be served as an introduction
> to the other books?
> It seems to me Maatikaa means simply the fundamental topics/subject
> headings (of the Buddha teachings).

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N: Yes, they comprise fundamental topics. This matrix precedes in the
text the first book, but it is basic for the whole of the Abhidhamma.
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>
> Th: You also mention Suttanta matrix ("After the Abhidhamma matrix
> there is a Suttanta matrix, explaining
> sutta terms."). Could you give some details of the Suttanta matrix?

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N: Ven. Nyanatiloka in his 'Guide to the Abhidhamma Pi.taka' states
that practically all the terms can be traced to the Sutta Pi.taka,
chiefly the Sangiitisutta, or the Anguttara Nikaaya. He states: 'Also
most of the terms of the Abhidhamma Matrix itself can be traced back
to the Suttas, or are derived from Sutta terms and teachings: an
illustration of the close inner connection between the teachings of
the two Pi.takas.'
Some details: <States that partake of wisdom; do not partake of wisdom.
States that resemble lightning; are comparable to the
thunderbolt....Naama and ruupa. Ignorance and craving for rebirth...>
The 'Atthasaalinii' elaborates on all of these terms.
-------

>
> Th: Investigating the differences and similarities of the
> Abhidhamma matrix and Suttanta matrix may help us to understand
> more in history on the fundamental teachings of Early Buddhism.

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N: The subject of history has been often discussed and a great deal
has been written about it already. There are different opinions. I am
interested in the contents of the Abhidhamma. To what extent can one
verify what has been taught, in how far does it help in the
development of insight.

For those who are interested in history this link may be useful:
The Historical Background of the Abhidhamma Studies in Myanmar
http://atbu.org/node/12

--------
Nina






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