Definition: In the Paṭṭhāna, paccanīya refers to the "negative" or "reverse" method of analysis. It tests conditional relations by asking how the absence or non-occurrence of one dhamma relates to another. It is the structural counterpart to anuloma (forward order).
Canonical usage
The Paṭṭhāna uses paccanīya to analyze negative conditionality:
- Paccanīya: Non-wholesome dhamma is related to non-wholesome dhamma by way of cause-condition. (Patth 1)
It is frequently combined with the forward order to create complex analytical frameworks:
- Anulomapaccanīya: From the affirmative to the negative.
- Paccanīyānuloma: From the negative to the affirmative.
Nuances and translation notes
- Paccanīya literally means "against the grain" or "hostile", but in technical Abhidhamma usage, it refers to the logical operation of negation or the analysis of what is "other than" a specified category.
- It is closely related to paccanika (used in the Kathāvatthu), but paccanīya is the preferred term in the Paṭṭhāna for relational negation.
Related concepts
- anuloma — the forward order or affirmation
- paccanika — the reverse order in logical refutation
- panhavara — where these methods are applied in detail
Related pages
- patthana — as a major analytical method
- method matrix nayamatika