Buddhism is a science of the mind that has been studied and practiced since the time of the Buddha. Over centuries, this study has produced a vast body of knowledge explaining the workings of the mind, known as the Abhidharma.

The term mind is not a singular entity and is, in fact, a very limited translation of concepts such as vijñana, citta, or manas in Sanskrit. The mind is understood as a continuous flow of experiences, insights, emotions, tendencies, habits, and perceptions. It encompasses all sensory experiences, intellectual and rational processes, as well as emotional states and cognitive functions. This entire continuum of non-physical, subjective experiences is what is referred to as the mind.

According to Abhidharma psychology, the mind can be analyzed in various ways. One common framework is the division into eight types of consciousness, which include the five sense consciousnesses, mental consciousness, defiled mental consciousness, and the foundational storehouse consciousness. Additionally, Buddhist teachings describe 51 mental factors that influence how the mind operates. These mental factors can be wholesome, afflictive, or neutral.

Abhidharma helps us understand the nature of reality by analyzing our experiences—sensations, thoughts, and emotions—so we can uproot the causes of suffering—craving, aversion, and ignorance. It offers practical, step-by-step methods to observe the mind like a laboratory, allowing us to see clearly how our mental habits create dissatisfaction. Through this clarity, we develop wisdom, compassion, and awareness, leading to true inner freedom.

Understanding the mind and its various aspects, including its beginningless nature, aids us in comprehending its constant flow of changing moments that influence our perception of happiness or suffering.

Observe and describe how thoughts and emotions continuously shift throughout the day. Notice how the mind responds to different situations and explore the factors that influence those reactions moment by moment through lived experience.

• How do you experience the flow of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions that Buddhism refers to as the mind?
• When observing your own mental habits, can you recognize some examples of wholesome habits, afflictive habits, and neutral habits?

Define abhidharma precisely; analyze how its practice reduces aversion, craving, and suffering; and evaluate examples from personal experience.