Dhammasaṇgaṇī

The Dhammasangani (-saṅgaṇi or -ī) is a Buddhist scripture, part of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism, where it is included in the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

The book begins with a matika (Pali for "matrix"), which is a list of classifications of dhammas, variously translated as ideas, phenomena, states, patterns etc. There are 22 3-fold classifications, followed by 100 2-fold ones according to the abhidhamma method and 42 according to the sutta method. The main body of the book is in four parts, as follows.

The first part deals with states of mind, listing and defining factors present in them.

The second deals with material phenomena, classifying them numerically, by ones, twos etc.

The third part applies the material in the first two to explaining the classifications in the matika.

The fourth does likewise, but in a different and sometimes more detailed way, and omitting the sutta method 2-fold classifications. This fourth part is mostly omitted from the old translation, only a few extracts being included. The new translation is complete.

The first book of the Abhidharma Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, which appears to have been also called Dhammasaṇgaha. Being a compilation from various sources, it deals with more or less the same topics as the Nikāyas, differing only in methods of treatment. The main subject of the book, which analyses and classifies the phenomena (dharma) that comprise all mental and material conditions, is that of ethics. The book enumerates and defines a number of categories of terms occurring in the Nikāyas. The commentary on the Dhammasaṇgaṇī, attributed to Buddhaghoṣa in the 5th century, is known by the title of Atthasālinī. King Vijayabāhu I of Sri Lanka translated the Dhammasaṇgaṇī into Sinhalese, but this translation is now lost.

Dhammasangani

The first book, in the accepted order of precedence, of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. It deals with more or less the same topics as the Nikāyas, differing only in methods of treatment; the chief subject is that of ethics, the enquiry there into being conducted from a psychological standpoint. The book enumerates and defines a number of categories of terms occurring in the Nikāyas.

There is in existence a commentary on the book, written by Buddhaghosa and called the Atthasālinī. King Vijayabāhu I, of Ceylon translated the Dhammasangani into Sinhalese (Cv.lx.17), but this translation is now lost. The work has been translated into English. The text is published by the P.T.S. (1885), and the translation (by Mrs. Rhys Davids) is published by the R.A.S., under the title of A Buddhist Manual of Psychological Ethics.

The Dhammasangani appears to have been also called Dhammasangaha (DA.i.17).

Source

dictionary.buddhistdoor.com