3.10.7

Lesson 3.10.7 Paṭṭhānapāli – Mātikā - Classification of the Universe

The Abhidhamma consists of seven books of which the first is called the Dhammasaṅgaṇīpāḷi. The Dhammasaṅgaṇīpāḷi provides the foundation for all the further detailed, theoretical and analytical explanations provided by the Higher Teaching. It analyses and subdivides the whole universe into certain principles called mātikā. A mātikā may be understood as a table of contents, an outline or a schedule and is usually translated as ‘matrix’. With such a mātikā, the Dhammasaṅgaṇīpāḷi evolves a list of concepts that are assembled into 22 groups of three (threefold classification) and 100 groups of two (twofold classification), respectively called duka and tika. They portray the whole universe of mind and matter thus subdivided from various different angles. They also arrange it into a logical all-inclusive order preparing for more detailed analyses. The Introduction of this lesson throws more light on the background, historical development and the general idea behind the Abhidhamma before the upcoming lessons will present more detail about its principles.