Overview:
This book on Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) is a translation of chapter 4 of Buddhadhamma covering perhaps the most subtle and abstruse teaching by the Buddha. Dependent Origination delves into the intricate mental processes that are at play behind volitional activities, states of consciousness, and the shaping of human identity, along with consequent suffering, attachment, and repeated rebirth.
This teaching contains a paradox: to truly understand Dependent Origination is equivalent to understanding the heart of the Buddhist teachings—to be awakened—but the path to awakening begins with ‘right view,’ which includes a preliminary understanding of the laws of conditionality.
Characteristic to his inclusive and integrative style, Ajahn Payutto has based this explanation of Dependent Origination on sources in the Pali suttas, and then woven in references from the Abhidhamma and the commentaries to present a complementary whole.
Introduction
Introduction (pdf)
Significance of Dependent Origination
Interpretations of Dependent Origination
Relational Context of Dependent Origination
Orthodox Explanation
Factors of Dependent Origination
Definitions
General Explanations
Application in Everyday Life
Factors of Dependent Origination
Preliminary Explanation of the Relationship between Factors
Expanded Explanation of the Relationship between Factors
Examples from Everyday Life
Deeper Explanations
Dependent Origination and the Middle Teaching
Dependent Origination in a Social Context
The Link Between the Middle Teaching and the Middle Way
Breaking the Cycle
Dependent Origination and the Four Noble Truths
Appendix 1: Interpretations of Dependent Origination
Appendix 2: ‘Me & Mine’
Appendix 3: Birth and Death in the Present Moment
Appendix 4: Abhidhamma Interpretation of Dependent Origination
Appendix 5: Nirodha (‘Cessation’)
Appendix 6: Concise Definitions for the Factors of Dependent Origination
Appendix 7: Bhava-taṇhā & Vibhava-taṇhā
Glossary
Endnotes