Gates of Consciousness: Buddhist Phenomenology of Cognition in the Abhidhamma
Philosophies June 10, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/philosophies10030068 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Argues that the Pāli Abhidhamma codifies a genuine Buddhist phenomenology that converges with Husserl's phenomenology in significant respects, though the two do not perfectly coincide. Proposes that a Buddhist phenomenology based on its own methodology could enrich phenomenological methodology rather than being limited by its differences from Husserl's approach. |
Abstract
This article aims to provide a comparative analysis between Husserl’s phenomenology and the Pāli Abhidhamma. To conduct this analysis, I will mainly draw on some books of the Abhidhamma and three works by Husserl. What emerges from this study are interesting convergences between the two systems of thought, which allow us to consider, in some respects, a true Buddhist phenomenology codified in the Abhidhamma. While not perfectly coinciding with Husserl’s phenomenology, it is similar enough to allow for a comparative study and perhaps even more. The intent is also to propose the possibilities of a true Buddhist phenomenology based on its methodology, and thus, not to see differences with Husserl’s approach as a limitation, but as something that can enrich the phenomenological methodology itself.