Significance of Principal cause

In Tibetan Buddhism and various philosophical traditions, the term Principal cause denotes the main factor or reason leading to a specific effect or situation. In Tibetan Buddhism, it relates to the action of cooking. Vaisheshika describes it as part of primary causation classes, while Nyaya emphasizes it as the main cause, exemplified by a seed leading to a sprout. In Mahayana, Principal cause pertains to primary factors influencing rebirth in hell, emphasizing its importance across different philosophical contexts.

Synonyms: Primary cause, Main cause, Chief cause, Leading cause, Major cause, Essential cause, Main reason, Primary factor, Main factor, Chief factor

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

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

Buddhist concept of 'Principal cause'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Principal cause signifies the main factor leading to actions, such as cooking, and identifies the key reasons behind specific situations, including the causes of rebirth in hell.

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

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The main factor or reason that leads to the act of cooking, as described in the context of the name 'Cook'.[1]

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: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A primary factor or reason that leads to a specific situation, in this context, referring to the causes of rebirth in hell.[2]

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 'Principal cause'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Principal cause signifies the main reason behind an effect, exemplified by a seed's role in sprouting, alongside other necessary factors, and is categorized as one of the primary classes of causes in causation.

Significance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) One of the two classes of causes, which includes the primary classes of causes described in the context of causation.[3]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature