The Yamaka, Vol. I

The Yamaka, Vol. I is a Pali Text Society edition of the sixth book of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka. The term Yamaka means “pairs,” and the work is distinguished by its paired method of doctrinal examination. Rather than presenting Buddhist doctrine in narrative form, it analyzes key Abhidhamma categories through carefully structured questions and counter-questions. This method tests whether a statement remains valid when reversed, qualified, restricted, or applied under different doctrinal conditions. The result is a highly technical exercise in Buddhist logic, classification, and analytical precision. The volume presents the beginning portion of the Yamaka, including major sections such as Mūla-Yamaka, Khandha-Yamaka, Āyatana-Yamaka, Dhātu-Yamaka, Sacca-Yamaka, Saṅkhāra-Yamaka, and Anusaya-Yamaka. These sections examine roots, aggregates, sense bases, elements, truths, formations, and latent tendencies through the text’s distinctive paired-question format. The introductory note explains the editorial background of the edition and emphasizes the complexity of the Yamaka, especially its extensive repetitions, technical vocabulary, and systematic arrangement. The editors worked from Siamese and Burmese printed editions, with attention to abbreviation, textual comparison, and correction of readings. As an Abhidhamma text, the Yamaka is especially valuable for advanced study of Theravāda scholastic method. It reveals how Buddhist categories are not merely listed, but tested by logical relation, scope, inclusion, exclusion, temporal application, and doctrinal consistency. This volume is therefore an important primary source for research into Abhidhamma logic, Pāli technical terminology, Buddhist analytical psychology, and the intellectual structure of the Theravāda tradition.