Mind, Consciousness, Matter and Nivarna

So what is Abhidhamma about? That is what many of my friends, young and old ask me. To give you the authentic answer from the teachings of Theravada Buddhism, I would certainly have to answer in Pali.

Pali, by the way is an ancient language of India. (that was used during the time of Gautama Buddha. Another language used during that time was Sanskrit.)

In the book called "Abhidhamma Sanghaha" it is written thus:

1. Seitam
2. Cetesitam
3. Rupan
4. Nibbanam

In plain Burmese it translates as:

1. Seit
2. Seitatheik
3. Yoke
4. Nibban

According to the traditional Buddhist scriptures, "Seit" or "Mind" means the ability to know. It also means the function "to know".

For example, a stone does not have the ability "to know" but a man or an animal like a dog has the ability "to know" because both have "Seit" or "Mind".