Grammatical Analysis
Vibhaṅga: [m.] The Book of Analysis; Division; Classification. Derived from prefix vi (apart) + root bhañj (to break). Literally “breaking apart” or “detailed analysis.”
Orthodox Definition
The Vibhaṅga is the second book of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka. If the Dhammasaṅgaṇī acts as the dictionary defining the ultimate realities, the Vibhaṅga acts as the encyclopedia showing how those realities interact within doctrinal structures.
It consists of 18 chapters analyzing the core teachings of Buddhism: the five aggregates, the sense bases, the elements, the Truths, the faculties, Dependent Origination, the foundations of mindfulness, etc.
Crucially, the Vibhaṅga utilizes a three-fold analytical method for almost every topic:
- Suttantabhājanīya: Analyzing the topic using conventional Sutta terminology.
- Abhidhammabhājanīya: Analyzing the same topic using the strict, ultimate terminology of the Dhammasaṅgaṇī.
- Pañhapucchaka: Testing the topic against the massive matrix (mātikā) of the Abhidhamma to see where it fits.
Textual References
- Canonical: Paccayākāravibhaṅga – The chapter providing the most complex and intricate explanation of Dependent Origination found anywhere in the Canon.
- Commentary: Sammohavinodanī (Dispeller of Delusion) – Buddhaghosa’s commentary on the Vibhaṅga.