Patthana: Conditional Relations

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The aim of the Supreme Buddha's teachings is to understand the realities at the level where the transformation of the mind takes place totally, just like when the sun arises, whole dark world is converted to brightness. It is the ignorance that has kept all beings in the wheel of suffering, and it only through knowing the ultimate truths that one gets freedom from this bondage, says the Buddha.
The words of the Buddha are preserved in three sections in their pristine purity in Pali language called Tipitaka. It is an amazing journey of the Tipitaka - The Three Baskets, through these 2600 years of historical ups and downs. They are the Vinaya Pitaka - which contains the rules of monastic life for monks and nuns; Sutta Pitaka- the section contains the various discourses given by the Buddha to monastic and lay people including devas in his forty five years of Dhamma mission; Abhidhamma Pitaka - this part contains a detailed exposition of psychological and philosophical matters explained in a very unique way.
The taste of the dhamma excels all other tastes, says the Buddha. It is true. One may read any part of the Tipitaka, the only taste one savors is the taste of freedom. Every teaching of the Buddha is meant for this one and the only goal of freedom from all sufferings through experience of the noble states of mind through inner development. Abhidhamma Pitaka, which is the biggest part of the Tipitaka is a direct expression of the ultimate realities of mind, and matter.
There is a great need of the study and understanding of these teachings so that the minds of people are changed with the realization of what is our life and universe around us in actuality. The whole universe of mind and matter are conditionally arising and passing away. All events in the life are conditioned and with causes and conditions they arise and so also with causes and conditions they pass away. Now to put these complex phenomena in simple words is a feat in itself which the Supreme Master has done with compassion. In fact to bring this highest wisdom to the world is the role of a Sammasambuddha.
Patthana is the last part of the Abhidhamma where the law of conditionality is explained in unimaginable details. It all reduces to twenty four ways of conditioning which give rise to mental states, material states and their function, which means the entire life process in all forms.
In Buddhist world Patthana is highly regarded and no amount of appreciation and giving importance is enough. The very first thing is to know the twenty four conditions and how they are conditioning. This basic formula will throw some light on our understanding of the things and their relation with each other’s. It is not that simple and easy to grasp with one cursory look at this book. It should be read and reread again and again with all humility and devotion so that the meaning starts becoming evident.