Overview
Following the 22 Triads, the Dhammasaṅgaṇī introduces 100 Dyads (Dukas). This is the very first Dyad. It separates the foundational psychological “roots” (hetu)—which act like the roots of a tree, giving stability and character to the mind—from everything else in existence.
The List
- Hetū dhammā - States that are roots: There are exactly six of these mental factors. Three are unwholesome (greed, hatred, delusion) and three are wholesome/indeterminate (non-greed, non-hatred, non-delusion).
- Na hetū dhammā - States that are not roots: Every other phenomenon in the universe. This includes all consciousnesses, the remaining 46 mental factors, all physical matter, and Nibbāna. They are the branches and leaves, but not the roots themselves.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Dhammasaṅgaṇī (Duka 1) – Defines the absolute core drivers of all kammic behavior.