Summary: The Saccayamaka is the fifth book of the Yamaka. It applies the paired-question method to the Four Noble Truths (sacca). It analyzes whether various terms for suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path are logically equivalent to the technical four truths defined in the Abhidhamma. (Yam 5)
Canonical locus
The Saccayamaka organizes the ethical and soteriological framework of the Abhidhamma system into paired questions. (Yam 5)
Yam 5.1 (ya5.1.1:3.1)
Dukkhaṁ dukkhasaccaṁ?
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"Is suffering [always] the noble truth of suffering?"
Analysis
The book analyzes the relationship between conventional suffering (dukkha) and the technical Abhidhamma category of dukkhasacca. It clarifies that while all instances of dukkhasacca are dukkha, not everything called dukkha in a loose sense (like physical pain in every context) is identical to the first noble truth's scope. (Yam 5)
The Pavattivāra (Process Section) again maps the "arising" and "ceasing" of these truths—clarifying how the unconditioned truth of cessation (nibbana) relates to the temporal framework of arising and ceasing that applies to the other three truths. (Yam 5)
Textual notes
- This book provides a rigorous logical foundation for the Buddhist doctrine of the four truths.
- It ensures that the path (maggasacca) and the goal (nirodhasacca) are precisely defined relative to one another.