Overview
This Dyad categorizes phenomena based on the property of physical friction or impact (paṭigha). It distinguishes between gross matter that can strike a receptor and subtle realities that pass through without physical resistance.
The List
- Sappaṭighā dhammā - Impinging states: Phenomena that offer physical resistance and strike against each other. This includes the five internal physical sense organs (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body sensitivity) and their corresponding five external objects (form, sound, smell, taste, touch).
- Appaṭighā dhammā - Non-impinging states: Phenomena that have no physical resistance or mass to strike. This includes all consciousnesses, all mental factors, subtle physical matter (like the water element, space, or nutritive essence), and Nibbāna.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Dhammasaṅgaṇī (Duka) – Crucial for understanding how contact (phassa) occurs differently at the physical sense doors versus the mind door.