초록 열기/닫기 버튼
This paper aims to illuminate the cognitive process(vīthicitta) in Abhidhammatthasangaha which is the main primer for the study of abhidhamma used throughout the Theravada Buddhist. This text consists of nine chapters, of which I concentrate my effort on the first chapter and the fourth chapter. Chapter I is the Compendium of consciousness(citta), which defines and classifies consciousness into the 89 or 121 types. Chapter IV explores the nature of the cognitive process. I think that these two chapters are related with each other. So the cognitive process theory of chapter IV should be understood in reference to classification of the 89 or 121 types of consciousness in chapter I. The theory of cognitive process is the research about the occurrence of the consciousness. And the classification of the 89 or 121 types of consciousness results from arranging consciousness in spatial order(āvacara). But the classification of 89 or 121 types of consciousness can be explained from the cognitive point of view, and it makes little difference in an opposite case. Therefore we can say these two theories of consciousness have the systematic relationship. In the past, the theory of 89 or 121 types of classification of consciousness has already been arranged in Dhammasangani and some other texts (approximately B.C. 1). But the theory of cognitive process theory hasn't accomplished until Abhidhammatthasangaha (A.D. 11). Therefore it is only in Abhidhammatthasangaha that we can ascertain the relationship of these two theories of consciousness. As a result, it is possible that the classification of Dhammasangani in itself has already forecasted the theory of cognitive process appeared in Abhidhammatthasangaha. This is why I have compared these two theories in detail to demonstrate this point. In this study, I have come to a conclusion that these two have been in complementary cooperative relationship for the correct understanding with each other.
