Summary: The nayamātikā is the first and most foundational matrix in the Dhātukathā. It defines the fourteen specific "methods" or types of relational questions that organize the entire book's analytical project. (Dhk 1.1)
Canonical locus
The Dhātukathā opens with this matrix, establishing the logical structure of the text before any data is processed. (Dhk 1.1)
Dhk 1.1 (dt1.1:0.3)
1. Nayamātikā
Analysis
The nayamātikā lists fourteen methods of questioning. These methods are built from the combinations of the four core relational operators: (Dhk 1.1)
- Inclusion (saṅgaha)
- Exclusion (asaṅgaha)
- Association (sampayoga)
- Dissociation (vippayoga)
The fourteen methods progress from simple questions (e.g., "In how many aggregates is X included?") to highly complex, compound relational questions (e.g., "With those things associated with that which is excluded from X, how many elements are dissociated?"). (Dhk 1.1)
Textual notes
- The nayamātikā is the "engine" of the Dhātukathā. The rest of the book simply applies these fourteen methods to the subjects listed in the subsequent matrices.
- This matrix demonstrates the Abhidhamma's commitment to formal logic and exhaustive relational testing.