This session provides an overview of the Seven Abhidharma Treatises, a significant body of texts in Buddhist philosophy that delve into the teachings and doctrines of the Abhidharma, the third division of the Buddhist canon. The Abhidharma is a systematic presentation of the Buddha's teachings, focusing on the nature of mind, the structure of experience, and the path to liberation. The Seven Abhidharma Treatises are considered essential for understanding the philosophical and doctrinal foundations of Buddhism, offering detailed analyses of various mental states, ethical principles, and cosmological concepts.

The session explores the content and significance of these treatises, which include key texts that have shaped Buddhist thought, especially in the context of Tibetan and Bhutanese Buddhism. The Seven Abhidharma Treatises are central to the study of Buddhist logic, psychology, and metaphysics, providing insights into the workings of the mind and the processes that lead to suffering and liberation.

Additionally, the session examines the historical context in which these treatises were introduced and how they have influenced Buddhist practice and scholarship. The introduction of these texts into Bhutanese Buddhist tradition has had a profound impact on monastic education and philosophical discourse, fostering deeper understanding and meditation practices among scholars and practitioners alike. Through this session, participants will gain an appreciation of the profound intellectual heritage contained in the Seven Abhidharma Treatises and their relevance to contemporary Buddhist practice.