Significance of Paccaya
Paccaya, according to Theravada, is a multifaceted term that encompasses various meanings related to conditions and causality in consciousness. It refers to factors that aid the manifestation of consciousness and describes relationships between dhammas, including a structured summary of 24 primary conditions. Additionally, it identifies causes that support or produce elements and emphasizes the notion of assisting in the arising of phenomena, particularly concerning mental and material qualities.
Synonyms: Cause, Condition, Reason, Catalyst
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Paccaya'
Paccaya in Buddhism refers to conditioning relations that influence dhammas, acting as causes or conditions facilitating consciousness and the emergence of mental and material qualities, thereby interrelating dhammas and supporting their existence.
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Understanding in the context of 'upakaraka,' signifying that which assists or facilitates the arising of mind-related phenomena.[1] (2) A term indicating a cause or condition that plays a role in producing, supporting, or maintaining another element.[2] (3) A term that refers to the cause or condition, specifically related to the mental aggregates in the discussion of dissociation.[3] (4) A term describing a phenomenon that renders help in the sequence of consciousness.[4] (5) A term meaning 'assisting in the arising' of phenomena, particularly in the context of fulfilling the conditions for the emergence of mental and material qualities.[5]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Conditions or causes that significantly influence the arising of phenomena.[6] (2) Conditions or factors that relate dhammas to each other, with a summary of 24 primary conditions.[7]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The term used to refer to conditioning relations that influence the occurrence and interaction of dhammas.[8]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Causal condition or instrumental cause that aids in the manifestation of consciousness.[9]