Vibhaṅga
The Vibhaṅga ("Analysis" or "Division") is the second book of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka, which is part of the Theravada Buddhist Pali Canon. It is comprised of eighteen chapters, each presenting a specific Buddhist teaching and then analyzing it through questions, answers, and definitions.
Each vibhaṅga (section) typically begins with a sutta based exposition (showing its source in the discourses of the Buddha) followed by an abhidhamma analysis. This structure offers a bridge between the more narrative and accessible style of the Sutta Pitaka and the more abstract and systematic style of the Abhidhamma.
The eighteen vibhangas cover a range of key Buddhist concepts, including:
- Khandha-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, consciousness).
- Āyatana-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the sense bases (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind; and their corresponding objects).
- Dhātu-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space).
- Sacca-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Four Noble Truths.
- Indriya-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the faculties (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind, etc.).
- Paṭiccasamuppāda-vibhaṅga: Analysis of Dependent Origination.
- Satipaṭṭhāna-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Foundations of Mindfulness.
- Sammappadhāna-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Right Exertions.
- Iddhipāda-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Bases of Success (or Accomplishment).
- Bojjhaṅga-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Factors of Enlightenment.
- Maggaṅga-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the components of the Noble Eightfold Path.
- Appamaññā-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Immeasurables (loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity).
- Sikkhāpada-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Training Rules (precepts).
- Paṭisambhidā-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the kinds of analytical knowledge.
- Ñāṇa-vibhaṅga: Analysis of knowledge.
- Khudda-vibhaṅga: Analysis of minor topics.
- Dhammahadaya-vibhaṅga: Analysis of the Heart of the Dhamma.
- Puggala-vibhaṅga: This Vibhanga is typically placed elsewhere in some lists. The Vibhaṅga provides a detailed and systematic examination of core Buddhist teachings, offering insights into their meaning and application. It is a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Theravada Buddhist philosophy.