A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw | 62,614 words

The Paticcasamuppada refers to “The Doctrine of Dependent Origination”. This is the English translation done by U Aye Maung Published by U Min Swe Buddhasasana Nuggaha Organization Rangoon, Burma....

Chapter 2 - Reflection Of The Bodhisatta

Reflecting on the origin of old age, the bodhisatta traced back the chain of dependent origination from the end to the beginning. Old age and death have their origin in rebirth which in turn is due to //kammabhava// (condition or kamma for renewed existence). Kammabhava stems from grasping or attachment (upadana) which is caused by craving (tanha). Craving arises from feeling (vedana) which is produced by sense bases (ayatana) such as eye, visual form, etc. Sense bases are the product of nama rupa (consciousness and corporeality) which results from //vinnana// (consciousness) which is again caused by //nama rupa//.

The full Pali texts about Paticcasamuppada attribute vinnana to sankhara (kamma formations) and sankhara to avijja (ignorance). But the bodhisattas reflection is confined to the interdependence of //nama rupa// and vinnana in the present life. In other words, he reflected on the correlation between vinnana and nama rupa, leaving out of account the formers relation to past existence. We may assume, therefore, that for the yogis, reflection on the present life will suffice to ensure the successful practice of vipassana.

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