Dhatukatha
Quick Summary
The Dhatukatha is a Buddhist text that is part of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, the third collection of the Pali canon of Theravada Buddhism. It is considered a supplementary work to the Dhammasangani and focuses on the "Discussion of Elements".1
The Abhidhamma texts, including the Dhatukatha, are characterized by a detailed, systematic classification of elements that constitute both the external world and inner life. This approach aims to understand the human person as an aggregate of various material and mental factors, denying the existence of a permanent self. The Dhatukatha contributes to this analysis by classifying these elements according to different principles.21
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka
…of the same topics, (3) Dhatukatha (“Discussion of Elements”), another supplementary work, (4) Puggalapannatti (“Designation of Person”), largely a collection of excerpts from the Anguttara Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka, classifying human characteristics in relation to stages on the Buddhist path and generally considered the earliest Abhidhamma text, (5) Kathavatthu…
Read More…of the same topics, (3) Dhatukatha (“Discussion of Elements”), another supplementary work, (4) Puggalapannatti (“Designation of Person”), largely a collection of excerpts from the Anguttara Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka, classifying human characteristics in relation to stages on the Buddhist path and generally considered the earliest Abhidhamma text, (5) Kathavatthu…
Read More 
Indian philosophyDoctrines and ideas of the Buddhist Tipitaka…further analysis of the dhammas; Dhatukatha, which is a detailed classification, following many different principles, of the elements; Puggalapannatti, which gives descriptions of individual persons according to stages of their development; Kathavatthu, which contains discussions and refutation of other Buddhist schools; Yamaka, which deals with pairs of questions; and
Read More…further analysis of the dhammas; Dhatukatha, which is a detailed classification, following many different principles, of the elements; Puggalapannatti, which gives descriptions of individual persons according to stages of their development; Kathavatthu, which contains discussions and refutation of other Buddhist schools; Yamaka, which deals with pairs of questions; and
Read More