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Significance of Two causes

The concept of Two causes in various philosophies highlights different foundational factors contributing to understanding or enlightenment. In Tibetan Buddhism, it refers to dual sources for events or cognition. Yoga identifies Two causes as conditions for moksha: cessation of actions and destruction of past karma. Vedanta views them as separate causes for effects, incorporating karma and upasana. In Mahayana, Two causes represent the 'right cause' (Buddha-Nature) and necessary conditions for achieving enlightenment, illustrating the interconnectedness of various philosophical traditions.

Synonyms: Two factors, Two origins, Two sources

In Dutch: Twee oorzaken; In Finnish: Kaksi syytä; In Spanish: Dos causas; In German: Zwei Ursachen

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

Buddhist concept of 'Two causes'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Two causes" refers to the foundational cognitive factors necessary for understanding, as well as the 'right cause' (Buddha-Nature) and 'condition' (aspirational mind) essential for attaining enlightenment and achieving right view.

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

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Refers to the dual sources or reasons that lead to an event or understanding.[1] (2) The foundational factors that contribute to the process of cognition, specifically in distinguishing its types.[2]

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: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) Refers to the 'right cause' (the Buddha-Nature) and 'condition' (the aspirational mind) that enable beings to attain enlightenment.[3]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The inner and outer conditions necessary to produce right view as explained in the text.[4]

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 'Two causes'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Two causes" explores Brahman and the Self as distinct yet identical contributors to the same effect, alongside the elements' aggregation, karma's influence on existence, and conditions like samvara and nirjara leading to moksha.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The significant factors, specifically previous karma and upasana, which contribute to the embryonic state.[5] (2) The consideration of Brahman and the Self as two separate causes for the same effect, which is questioned in the context of their identity.[6]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The two causes are the aggregate of the elements and elementary things whose cause the atoms are, and the aggregate of the five skandhas whose cause the skandhas are.[7]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).