Abhidharmakośabhāṣyam, Volume II

The second volume is central to understanding how Abhidharma philosophy connects its analysis of momentary dharmas with broader questions of cosmology, rebirth and ethical responsibility. It explains how worlds and living beings arise through causal conditions without requiring a permanent creator or enduring self. The treatment of karma is particularly significant because it addresses the mechanism by which intentional actions continue to produce consequences after the original action has ceased. Vasubandhu presents the established Vaibhāṣika positions while also recording objections and alternative interpretations associated with the Sautrāntikas. This volume is an essential reference for research into Buddhist cosmology, dependent origination, rebirth, karma, monastic discipline, Buddhist ethics and the philosophical relationship between causality and personal continuity. Chapter Three: The World. Principal subjects include: - The three realms: Kāmadhātu, Rūpadhātu and Ārūpyadhātu - The five realms of rebirth - The seven and nine abodes of consciousness - The four modes of birth - Intermediate existence and transmigration - Dependent origination - The lifespan and death of sentient beings - Buddhist cosmology - Mount Sumeru, continents, oceans, hells and heavens - Cosmic cycles and the destruction and renewal of the world Chapter Four: Karma. Principal subjects include: - Definition and classifications of karma - Informative and non-informative action - Vijñapti and avijñapti - Bodily, verbal and mental action - Prātimokṣa discipline and ordination - Lay and monastic precepts - Meritorious, demeritorious and neutral actions - Karma across the three periods of time - Retribution and results of action - The ten courses of action - Moral transgression and karmic gravity - The Bodhisattva and the pāramitās - Giving, morality and meditation