Discussing Unskilful Qualities

: The Development of the Buddhist Theory of Defilements in Abhidharmic Literature: With Special Attention to the Śāriputrābhidharma-śāstra

Abstract

This dissertation explores how the Śāriputrābhidharma śāstra organises mental defilements within Abhidharmic frameworks. The previous study has been explored the development of the doctrine of mental defilements based on two primary Abhidharma traditions: the Sarvāstivādin and Theravādin schools. The Śāriputrābhidharma śāstra, as a rare extant Abhidharma text apart from these two traditions, has not yet been extensively studied from a doctrinal perspective. This dissertation addresses this gap in Buddhist studies and aims to examine the Śāriputrābhidharma śāstra’s understanding of mental defilements, focusing on two chapters: the Akuśala Dharma chapter (Fannao-pin 煩惱品) and the Saṃyojana chapter (Jiajie-pin 假結品).
This analysis is based on a critical comparison of the Śāriputrābhidharma with canonical sutras and vinayas from diverse Buddhist schools and linguistic traditions, as well as Abhidharma texts from different traditions. Through the Akuśala Dharma chapter, I illustrate the extent to which the Śāriputrābhidharma diverges from the canonical sources and attempt to identify with which canonical versions it aligned. Furthermore, I highlight both its distinct features and its shared characteristics in organising unskilful qualities and interpreting individual defilements across Abhidharma traditions.
In examining the Saṃyojana chapter, I investigate how the Śāriputrābhidharma interprets the relationship between saṃyojana and anuśaya and assess whether this text presents a unique doctrinal stance on a traditional Buddhist psychological issue concerning the distinction between latent and active states of defilements.
Additionally, as the Śāriputrābhidharma remains untranslated into western languages, this dissertation aims to identify the underlying Indic terms represented in the text through this analytical and comparative study.

Date of Award	4 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Rupert M L Gethin (Supervisor) & Rita E M Langer (Supervisor)