A passage of the Abhidharmakosavyakhya
Summary
In this brief note Louis de la Vallée Poussin examines a specific passage of the Abhidharmakosavyakhya, Vasubandhu’s commentary on his own Abhidharmakosa. The passage concerns the classification of mental factors in Buddhist psychology and the distinction between wholesome and unwholesome states. Poussin translates the Sanskrit text, compares it with the corresponding Tibetan version and offers interpretive comments. He clarifies technical terms, situating them within the broader framework of Sarvastivadin Abhidharma. The note contributes to ongoing efforts to produce accurate translations of canonical commentaries and to understand doctrinal nuances. Poussin concludes that careful philological work is essential for interpreting Buddhist scholastic literature.
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Conclusion
Poussin’s note provides a philological analysis of a passage from the Abhidharmakosavyakhya dealing with the categorization of mental factors. By translating the Sanskrit and comparing it with Tibetan, he elucidates subtle distinctions in Buddhist psychological theory. The study underscores the importance of precise textual work for understanding Abhidharma doctrine and illustrates how even short passages can shed light on broader philosophical debates.