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Studies in Indian Philosophy
Abhidhammatthasangaha is intended. Therefore, the word Abhidhammatthasangaha is seldom used by the Burmese to convey the idea, the expression senjo being sufficient. Anuruddha is also regarded as the author of two other compendia on Abhidhamma: Nămarupapariccheda and Paramatthavinicchaya9.
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Born in South India, this monk was mostly resident in the city of Thanjor. Substantial evidence points to the fact that he also lived in Ceylon. In the colophons of all three compendia (Abhidhammatthasangaha, Nāmarūpapariccheda and Paramatthavinicchaya), the author's name is not mentioned. However, towards the conclusion of the Abhidhammatthasan gaha and Namarūpapariccheda, mention is made of his place of residence, wishing success for all the activities conducted therein. But there is no mention of the author himself. In the colophon of the Paramatthavinicchaya, he is mentioned as follows: "He was born in noble Kañcipura in the Kaveri Province to a noble clan and that clan was very popular, well versed and endowed with invincible knowledge and incontrovertible fame. At the request of the noble fraternity of the monks of the Mahavihāra, this Paramatthavinicchaya was written by Venerable Anuruddha, well versed in Abhidhamma, according to the guidelines of their clear tradition."
He was an erudite scholar of Buddhist philosophy living in the city of Thanjor in the country of Thamba. This situ ation clearly indicates the fact that when writing the Paramatthavinicchaya he was living in the city of 'Thamba' which is now known as 'Thanjor'. When he was composing the other two books (Abhidhammatthasangaha and Nāmarūpapariccheda), it seems he was living in Ceylon. The author, aspiring for the prosperity of the place where he wrote the work, states in the colophon to the Abhidhammatthasangaha : "The Mulasoma Vihara is extremely popular because of being a residence of virtuous people who abide by a strong conviction that the blessings emanated by that great virtue will have a powerful influence, with the effect that all the monks who reside at that place will be endowed with erudite knowledge and pious
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