Significance of Basic cause

In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of Basic cause relates to the fundamental reasons that define the existence and nature of cognizable entities, as highlighted by the Revered Teacher Dinnaga. It also refers to the basis supporting cognition's existence. In Mahayana Buddhism, Basic cause describes the underlying reasons for the emergence of random thoughts, emphasizing the need to address these causes to attain spiritual clarity. Understanding Basic cause is essential for deepening one's spiritual practice.

Synonyms: Fundamental reason, Primary cause, Root cause, Essential cause, Underlying cause, Fundamental cause, Main cause

In Dutch: Basisoorzaak; In Finnish: Perussyy; In Spanish: Causa básica

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

Buddhist concept of 'Basic cause'

Buddhism Books

Basic cause in Buddhism pertains to the root reasons behind random thoughts and cognition, influencing the existence and nature of cognizable entities, as outlined by the revered teacher Dinnaga for achieving spiritual clarity.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The fundamental reason or basis that supports the existence of a cognition.[1] (2) The fundamental reason that determines the existence or nature of a cognizable entity, as discussed by the Revered Teacher Dinnaga.[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

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

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The foundational element or reason, in this context related to the experience gained from mindful listening.[3] (2) The underlying reason for the existence of random thoughts, which needs to be addressed to achieve spiritual clarity.[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Basic cause'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Basic cause signifies the fundamental reason for existence, identified as avyakta, representing the unmanifested essence that underlies all effects and phenomena in the universe.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) Basic cause is not removed, potential and durable results are not found, and in spite of the description of multiple drug therapy on Amavata in different classics of Ayurveda, potential and durable results are not found due to non-removal of the basic cause.[5]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.