Positives The reviews consistently praise this book as a crown jewel of Pali Buddhist literature, offering a detailed and clear account of human consciousness and experience. It is lauded for its potential to guide practitioners in distinguishing wholesome from unwholesome mental qualities, thereby aiding in the purification of mind and progress toward profound insight. Many reviewers commend the editors and commentators, particularly Bhikku Bodhi, for transforming an inherently obscure and technical source text into an accessible work through copious explanations, useful tables, and transliterated Pali. This extensive editorial material is seen as a crucial aid, providing concise explanations for complex Buddhist concepts and preserving the nuanced meanings of the original teachings across languages, making it an excellent resource for scholars and serious students seeking to grasp the sophisticated foundations of early Buddhist thought.
Negatives However, the book is also acknowledged to be challenging due to its inherent structure, which heavily relies on lists and relational matrices to systematize a vast body of insight. Readers note that without the extensive editorial commentary, the source material would remain profoundly obscure, and even with it, attaining a clear understanding of these broad and deep topics may not be easy for the average reader. Some found the sheer volume of lists and tables overwhelming. Critics also point out that while the analytical system is powerful, it cannot fully substitute for the vitality of practice, and there is a caution against reifying the system itself into an obstruction. The text's sequence, often starting with fundamental mental components, can feel counter-intuitive, and some sections were described as impenetrable, requiring frequent cross-referencing. Additionally, certain descriptions, such as those concerning cosmic time, heavens, or gods, were perceived by some readers as irrelevant or nonsensical within a modern context.
Conclusion Overall, this book is highly recommended as a comprehensive and insightful guide for serious students and dedicated practitioners of Buddhism, especially those with an analytical inclination. It is considered an invaluable tool for exploring the mechanics of consciousness and understanding the Abhidhamma system, particularly for those daunted by its complexity. While demanding and requiring significant effort and cross-referencing, it offers deep insights into early Buddhist thought and can greatly benefit anyone interested in psychology and metaphysics. It is best suited for readers ready to delve into a rigorous and systematic examination of ultimate realities, rather than casual readers seeking a light introduction to Buddhist philosophy.
