Summary: The abbhantaramātikā is the second of the five matrices in the Dhātukathā. It provides the list of internal phenomena—primarily the aggregates, sense bases, and elements—that are subjected to relational analysis in the text. (Dhk 1.2)
Canonical locus
The Dhātukathā introduces this matrix immediately after the initial method matrix. (Dhk 1.2)
Dhk 1.2 (dt1.2:0.3)
2. Abbhantaramātikā
Analysis
The internal matrix functions as the "subject list" for the text's analysis. It includes the standard Abhidhamma classifications: (Dhk 1.2)
- Five Aggregates (khandha)
- Twelve Sense Bases (āyatana)
- Eighteen Elements (dhātu)
- Four Truths (sacca)
- Twenty-two Faculties (indriya)
- Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda)
- Four Establishments of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna)
- Four Right Efforts (sammappadhāna)
- Four Bases of Power (iddhipāda)
- Four Jhānas
- Four Immeasurables (brahmavihāra)
- Five Faculties (indriya - spiritual set)
- Five Powers (bala)
- Seven Awakening Factors (bojjhaṅga)
- Noble Eightfold Path (ariya aṭṭhaṅgika magga)
- Mental Factors (cetasika)
By listing these, the matrix defines the scope of "internal" reality (the person and their sensory and spiritual world) that will be tested against the categories of inclusion (saṅgaha) and association (sampayoga). (Dhk 1.2)
Textual notes
- In the Dhātukathā, the internal matrix is distinguished from the bāhiramātikā (external matrix), which draws from the wider Dhammasaṅgaṇī grids.
- This matrix ensures that the text remains grounded in the foundational Abhidhamma categories of the Vibhaṅga.