Realm Discourse (界論)

About 界論

Source text translated by 郭哲彰

36,108 · about 120 min

The Treatise on the Realms is a Buddhist philosophical work authored by Guo Zhezhang. Its content is rooted in the teachings of early Buddhism, particularly the analysis of the eighteen realms. Based on Abhidharma theory, it systematically explains the six sense faculties—eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind—along with their corresponding six sense objects and the resulting six consciousnesses, which together form the fundamental framework for understanding the world. The treatise delves deeply into core concepts such as the selflessness of all phenomena and dependent origination with emptiness at its nature. It aims to help practitioners overcome attachment to physical and mental phenomena, recognize the illusory nature of the world, and thereby progress toward wisdom and liberation. Within Buddhist literature, the Treatise on the Realms is regarded as an essential introductory text for understanding the characteristics of phenomena and analyzing mental activities, holding significant reference value for the study of Buddhist psychology and philosophy.