論（アビダルマ）を読む効能
The Benefits of Reading the Abhidharma
2024-05-09 18:00:00
As I wrote in the article dated October 20, 2023, I (= SRKW Buddha) do not particularly feel the necessity for practitioners of the Buddhist path to read the Abhidharma as part of their practice.
However, there are certain benefits recognized in reading the Abhidharma.
The most significant of these is gaining the conviction that "anyone can attain enlightenment."
This conviction undoubtedly contributes to a significant motivation for Buddhist practitioners to diligently progress in their own practice.
This is because, to some extent, Buddhist practitioners harbor doubts about whether they themselves can attain enlightenment, and this conviction helps dispel those doubts.
In fact, among Buddhist practitioners, there are those who give up on becoming a Buddha, and seek satisfaction in attaining small enlightenments, or even choose to live their lives as benefactors (Dana) supporting and assisting the enlightenment of other Buddhist practitioners, without initially considering their own enlightenment (= liberation).
That's one way of looking at it, but the truth is that anyone can attain enlightenment and become a Buddha. That is the Dharma, and preaching it is Buddhism.
Regarding this, you can find the following passage in the Lotus Sutra - Expedient Means, Chapter Two.
"Śāriputra, during the long period of turbid and chaotic times, living beings are heavily burdened with defilements. They are obstinate, greedy, envious, and rooted in various unwholesome tendencies. Due to skillful means, the Buddhas, though standing in the singular position of Buddhahood, expound their teachings in three ways. Śāriputra, if among my disciples there are those who consider themselves venerable Arhats or self-enlightened Pratyekabuddhas, and if they do not inquire about or understand that the Buddhas exclusively teach Bodhisattvas, then such individuals are not truly the Buddha’s disciples, nor are they venerable Arhats or self-enlightened Pratyekabuddhas. Furthermore, Śāriputra, among the various monks and nuns, if anyone considers themselves already venerable or believes this to be their final birth or thinks they have attained ultimate peace, yet lacks the aspiration for the supreme correct enlightenment, then know that all such individuals are arrogant. Why? Because true venerable monks, having realized this teaching, do not doubt it. However, when the Buddha has departed from this world and is no longer physically present, it is difficult to find someone who can uphold and comprehend the meaning of such scriptures. Yet, even in such circumstances, if one encounters another Buddha, they will be able to realize this teaching. Therefore, Śāriputra, you should wholeheartedly believe and uphold the Buddha’s words. There is no other position; there is only the singular position of the Buddha."
Of course, not everyone who doesn't aspire to become a Buddha through practice is necessarily arrogant. Some may lack confidence in themselves to become a Buddha upon reflection, or may feel intimidated by the slow progress of their practice.
By reading the Abhidharma, such individuals can grasp the practicality of their own potential for Buddhahood and may be able to dispel their respective anxieties.
In this sense, the significance of reading the Abhidharma can be said to exist for certain Buddhist practitioners.
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