Definition: In the Dhātukathā, sampayutta is one of the four primary relational operators. It denotes a specific relationship of mental concurrence where different mental phenomena (cetasika) arise and cease together with a single consciousness (citta), sharing the same object and physical basis.
Canonical usage
The Dhātukathā uses sampayutta to distinguish between mere "inclusion" in a list and the actual "association" of mental events in a single moment of experience.
Dhk 1.1 (dt1.1:10.1)
Sampayuttena sampayuttaṁ
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"Associated with that which is associated."
Nuances and translation notes
- Association (sampayoga) is a strictly mental relationship. Material phenomena (rūpa) cannot be "associated" (sampayutta) with one another or with mental states; they can only be "included" (saṅgahita) in the same categories.
- For two phenomena to be sampayutta, they must meet four criteria (in later analysis): arising together, ceasing together, having the same object, and having the same basis.
- This operator is the inverse of dissociation vippayutta.
Related concepts
- dissociation vippayutta — the opposite relationship (disassociated)
- inclusion sangahita — a relationship of classification rather than mental concurrence
- cetasika — mental factors are the primary subjects of association
Related pages
- dhatukatha — the primary text where this term functions as a logical operator
- method matrix nayamatika — the foundational matrix defining relational methods