Summary: The Mūlayamaka is the first of the ten books (divisions) of the Yamaka. It applies the text's unique "paired-question" method to the wholesome and unwholesome roots (mūla) to define their logical boundaries and relationships with other phenomena. (Yam 1)
Canonical locus
The Yamaka opens with this book, establishing the bidirectional logic that governs the entire work. (Yam 1)
Yam 1.1 (ya1.1.1:2.1)
Ye keci kusalā dhammā, sabbe te kusalamūlā?
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"Are all wholesome dhammas wholesome roots?"
Analysis
The Mūlayamaka tests the relationship between the general category of "wholesome dhammas" (kusalā dhammā) and the specific "wholesome roots" (kusalamūla): (Yam 1)
- Forward (Anuloma): "Are all wholesome dhammas wholesome roots?" (Answer: No, only three are roots, the others are just wholesome).
- Reverse (Paṭiloma): "Are all wholesome roots wholesome dhammas?" (Answer: Yes).
By working through these pairs across different roots (alobha, adosa, amoha and their unwholesome opposites), the text ensures that the definitions of these fundamental Abhidhamma categories are logically airtight. (Yam 1)
Textual notes
- This book introduces the structural markers uddesa (summary) and niddesa (exposition).
- It serves as the logical "blueprint" for the nine books that follow.
Related concepts
Related pages
- yamaka (text)
- dhammasangani