Abhidharma

Abhidharma (chos mngon pa). One of the three parts of the Tripitaka, the Words of the Buddha. Systematic teachings on metaphysics focusing on developing discriminating knowledge by analyzing elements of experience and investigating the nature of existing things. The chief commentaries on Abhidharma are the Abhidharma Kosha by Vasubhandu from the Hinayana perspective and the Abhidharma Samucchaya by Asanga from the Mahayana point of view.