[Johnny_Lim]

Encountered a doctrine that talks about causes and conditions mutually influencing each other and giving rise to changes. Wordly understanding is causes + conditions = result. But according to this doctrine, the result here is just a naming convention, a concept. The actual fact is when causes mutually interact with one another, they will give rise to some phenomena (changes). The process of this interaction amongst causes that gives rise to these phenomena is what is commonly termed as ‘result’. It is just a process. And the conditions are this process.

The doctrine talks about 4 principles for the arising of phenomena:
1. Phenomenon cannot arise on its own
E.g Fire cannot arise on its own. If fire can arise on its own, it can give rise to infinite amount of fire, which is contrary to reality.

1. Phenomena cannot arise from another phenomena
   E.g If fire is born out of wood, it implies wood itself also has fire.

2. Phenomena cannot arise out of mutually interacting phenomena
   E.g Water and soil mixed together to form mud. Mud is not in the water. Neither is mud in the soil nor in between soil and water.

3. Phenomena cannot arise out of nothing
   E.g Fire cannot arise out of nothing for no reason.

So, essentially phenomena are the ‘observed’ changes that took place when causes mutually interact and influence one another. Phenomena is born out of conditions.

I’m not sure whether this doctrine is contained in any of the Tipitaka suttas though.

[Lal]

This is the doctrine of paticca samuppada; see:

Patthana Dhamma

[Johnny_Lim]

Thanks Lal. The Bhante who delivered this desana is from Ven. Ledi Sayadaw’s lineage. It’s an amazing doctrine which I think is very conducive to help deepen the understanding of Tilakkhana.

[Author]

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