Significance of Chief cause

The keyphrase "Chief cause" encompasses various interpretations across different philosophical contexts. In Jainism, it denotes austerity as the main factor for cessation and separation. In the Purana, it pertains to two heroes linked to the Vrishnis' destruction, elements binding humans to rebirth, the source of events like creation and existence, and factors influencing perception, including bodily humors. Theravada Buddhism views the Chief cause as the Tathagata being a primary reason for Bhikkhus' suffering.

Synonyms: Primary reason, Main cause, Principal factor, Leading cause, Major reason, Predominant factor, Main reason, Primary cause

In Dutch: Hoofdoorzaak; In Finnish: Pääasiallinen syy; In Spanish: Causa principal; In German: Hauptursache

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

Buddhist concept of 'Chief cause'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the term "Chief cause" suggests that the Tathagata can be viewed as a primary factor contributing to the suffering of Bhikkhus, indicating a deeper exploration of causality and responsibility within the Buddhist teachings.

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

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) Refers to the idea that the Tathagata may be the primary reason for the harm experienced by the Bhikkhus.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Chief cause'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Chief cause signifies the primary agent of creation and existence, encompassing Karma's role in divine actions, the influence of elemental factors on human experience, and the reasons for the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Refers to the two heroes whose actions led to the destruction of the Vrishnis.[2] (2) The primary elements or factors, such as wind, bile, and phlegm, attributed to influencing human perception and experience.[3] (3) The primary reasons that bind man to a cycle of rebirth and suffering.[4]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The primary reason or driving force behind an event or phenomenon, highlighted as Karma in the context of divine incarnations.[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Chief cause'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Chief cause" signifies the primary source of effects, particularly emphasizing austerity as the fundamental factor that leads to both cessation of worldly ties and spiritual dissociation.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) The primary source or reason for an effect, in this context referring to austerity being the main factor for both stoppage and dissociation.[6]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Chief causes.