Summary: The Anusayayamaka is the seventh book of the Yamaka. It applies the paired-question method to the seven latent tendencies (anusaya). This book is unique in the Yamaka for its depth of psychological analysis, mapping where these deep-seated tendencies lie dormant, how they relate to different individuals, and their eventual eradication on the path. (Yam 7)
Canonical locus
The Anusayayamaka represents one of the most complex psychological mappings in the text, beginning by asking where specific tendencies are located before moving to bidirectional pairs. (Yam 7)
Yam 7.1 (ya7.1:3.1)
Kattha kāmarāgānusayo anuseti? Kāmadhātuyā dvīsu vedanāsu ettha kāmarāgānusayo anuseti.
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"Where does the latent tendency to sensual lust lie dormant? The latent tendency to sensual lust lies dormant here: in two feelings within the sense-sphere element."
Analysis: Mapping the Defilements
The book analyzes the seven anusayas: (Yam 7)
- Sensual lust (kāmarāga)
- Aversion (paṭigha)
- Conceit (māna)
- Wrong view (diṭṭhi)
- Doubt (vicikicchā)
- Lust for existence (bhavarāga)
- Ignorance (avijjā)
Rather than asserting self-identities, the Anusayayamaka is famous for its detailed mapping of which tendencies are active, latent, or eradicated. It asks bidirectional questions such as: "In whom the tendency X is present, is the tendency Y also present?" (Yassa kāmarāgānusayo anuseti tassa paṭighānusayo anusetīti?). This establishes the exact profile of defilements for each type of person (from the ordinary person up to the Arahant). (Yam 7)
Textual notes
- This book provides the logical evidence for the Abhidhamma's theory of "latent" mental states—phenomena that are not currently manifest but are still part of a being's mental continuity.
- It is a vital source for understanding the stages of the noble path and the order in which defilements are destroyed.
Related concepts
Related pages
- yamaka (text)
- dhammasangani