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The Middle Way - Lecture 05
If an effect arises from conditions, then the effect must already exist within the conditions; if the effect is not present in the conditions, then the effect cannot arise, therefore there is no arising (non-arising). Looking deeply into the conditions, we do not see the effect existing in them, yet the effect still manifests; on the other hand, if the effect already exists, it cannot be called arising, and if it does not exist, it cannot arise. This teaching emphasizes dependent co-arising and non-self-nature of both the effect and the conditions—there is no fixed ontological ground that gives rise to or generates anything.
This philosophical foundation was developed through various Buddhist schools in the past:
- Sarvāstivādins: believed that the three times—past, present, and future—all truly exist; dharmas (atoms, moments) truly exist but without attachment to self.
- Sautrāntika: recognized only the present as truly existing, analyzed each smallest dharma in detail, accepted the concept of “not identical to, not separate from the aggregates and self” to explain continuity.
- Pudgalavāda: introduced the concept of pudgala (person), which is neither outside nor separate from the five aggregates, in order to maintain the notion of individual without denying non-self.
The contemplation of “walking” through observing past and future reveals that walking is neither already walked nor not yet walked, nor can we clearly see the moment of walking; “walking” only exists in the moment of movement, and cannot be grasped as a fixed entity. This examination reveals the impermanent and non-self nature of all phenomena, helping us to let go of attachment and live mindfully with each step.