The Buddhist Psychology of Awakening: An In-Depth Guide to Abhidharma

by Steven D. Goodman

A modern introduction to traditional Buddhist psychology

This practical overview of Buddhist psychology outlines step-by-step methods for examining the source of our habitual tendencies and hangups. In order to truly free ourselves from perpetuating patterns of suffering, the Buddha offered a clear system for understanding our psychological dispositions, processes, fixations, and challenges--a system known as the Abhidharma. This tradition has been studied by Buddhists for over two millennia.

Professor Steven Goodman has taught on the Abhidharma in both universities and Buddhist retreats for over twenty years, making these traditional teachings accessible for a modern readership for the first time. Goodman explains how becoming aware of our mental patterns can liberate us from cycles of emotional pain and shows how the Abhidharma can be applied to meditation practice through exercises of observation and reflection. This is the go-to manual for anyone interested in the world of Buddhist psychology.

Genres: Buddhism, Psychology, Spirituality, Philosophy

256 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Steven D. Goodman, Ph.D. (Far Eastern Studies, University of Saskatchewan, 1984; B.A., University of California-Berkeley) was Professor of Tibetan Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, Graduate Theological Union, and Research and Program Director for Asian and Comparative Studies in the Philosophy and Religion Department of the School of Consciousness and Transformation at the California Institute of Integral Studies. In 1994, he was awarded a Rockefeller Fellowship at Rice University Center for Cultural Studies for the study of Tibetan mystical poetry.

Dr. Goodman also was a founding member of the Working Committee for The 84000 Project: Translating The Words of The Buddha (84000.co), which is an international non-profit group coordinating the translation of the Buddhist Canonical Corpus (Tripitaka) from Tibetan into English, and making them available for free download. Additionally, he was an adviser to the Khyentse Foundation since its inception in 2001.

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

[DISCLOSURE: I was a direct student of the author for several years up until his death, and received a free review copy of this work with no strings attached.]

This is the most clear and readable, if not the most in-depth, introduction to abhidharma—which according to some, including the author and one of his professors, "should be the bedrock and starting point for all Buddhist studies"—I have encountered in my 30 years of exposure to Buddhism. Many students of the buddhadharma find the abhidharma (literally "higher dharma") teachings to be particularly difficult, in that they are "for the most part, rather technical, consisting of main points and enumerated lists of basic factors (dharmas) of phenomena mentioned in the sutras." This, plus the archaic language and lingustic barriers, can make the work of its principle expositor, the 4th-century monk Vasubandhu, all but impenetrable to those Westerners who are not utterly committed to absorbing it. Dr. Goodman does an excellent job of minimizing the jargon, explicating it where it is necessary to retain the terminology for precision, and making this ancient material relevant to modern-day experience, with more than a dollop of his characteristic good humor. Additionally, his phenomenological approach, likely attributable to his fondness for Husserl and his prior work with Günther, bring many of the seemingly abstract categories well into the realm of relatable experience.

Highly recommended for anyone whose interest in Buddhism almost, but not quite, evaporated upon first encountering the 75 Dharmas and 51 Mental Factors, and those who desire to deepen their relationship with their own minds on and off the meditation cushion.

[Nikko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, accessible presentation of how our minds work. Ot sure what one star review is about since it came out before the book was published and by a reader whose list would indicate, ahem, a Buddhist boom is not their normal fare.

Note: I am associated with Shambhala Publications, but this is an objective review!

[William T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 70% of the way through, I stand in awe of the reach of Buddhist psychology and the understanding of the mind. In my ignorance, I think of William James as the founder of psychology, but he was just walking a well trodden path. You can't find happiness, or be free of suffering, if you don't understand your mind.

I suppose that I can't recommend this book to everyone. It is a "handful." I wish I had the capability of remembering all the "unwholesome mental factors," so that I could note them as I experienced them. I am grateful to Steven Goodman, but am somewhat intimidated by the recognition that I will have to read his important book more than once!

BTW, I read several books at a time. I don't see any reason why you need to hurry through this.

[Everett Grandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

behind curtain of senses

there is nothing hidden...untainted awareness may there be perceived and illusion of corporeal selective awareness may be unveiled but first you need to cognize its functioning not here but in as of you... journey here "will" not disappoint

[Jennifer]

Ongoing reading.