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Basic Buddhist Teachings 22 - The Principle of Interdependent Origination
Dependent origination is the object of right view: “this is because that is… this ceases because that ceases,” like a bundle of reeds leaning on each other to stand firm. In the Northern tradition, it is simplified into four conditions (paccaya):
- Condition of cause (the small seed limited by boundaries)
- Condition of support (favorable or unfavorable, watering seeds of joy or suffering)
- Condition of immediate continuity (continuous, like boiling potatoes requires at least 20 minutes of fire)
- Condition of object (the object of mind, as suffering must be directed toward something)
In the Abhidhamma of the Northern tradition, there are six kinds of causes (hetu):
- Productive cause (giving strength, not causing obstruction)
- Coexistent cause (existing simultaneously, like the head A and tail B of a line)
- Homogeneous cause (of the same kind, whether wholesome or unwholesome)
- Corresponding cause (supporting each other to develop)
- Universal cause (mental formations such as contact, perception, intention are present everywhere)
- Ripening cause (the result ripens late or early depending on conditions)
The teaching of the twelve links of dependent origination (from delusion to old age and death) is sometimes presented as nine, ten, or twelve links—not as a linear timeline but as a relationship of interbeing, both horizontally and vertically. The purpose is not to prove samsāra, but as a method of transformation: “when delusion ceases, understanding arises,” using the mind of awakening and wisdom to transform suffering, nourish happiness, and realize liberation.
