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Significance of Dhammayatana

Dhammayatana, according to Theravada, signifies the field of understanding formed through the interaction of mental states with their associated objects. It encompasses the mental objects or phenomena upon which the mind reflects and contemplates. This concept is essential in comprehending how the mind engages with various mental states and the objects related to them, thereby shaping one's understanding and awareness in the framework of Theravada teachings.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Dhammayatana'

Buddhism Books

Dhammayatana in Buddhism signifies the interplay between mental states and their objects, serving as the foundation for understanding and representing the phenomena that the mind observes and contemplates.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Catusacca Dipani

(1) Represents the mental-objects or phenomena that the mind contemplates.[1]

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) The field of understanding derived from the interaction of mental states and their associated objects.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).