Dependent Arising (Paticcasamupada)

Question 1

What is dependent arising?

Answer 1

Dependent arising is inter-relatedness, meaning that nothing exists or happens on its own; it is dependent on a network of other things.

Question 2

Can you give an example of dependent arising?

Answer 2

A tree would not exist without the sun, rain, and soil, and in turn, rain would not exist without rivers, the sea, and clouds.

Question 3

How are humans related to dependent arising?

Answer 3

Humans would not exist without trees, soil, rain, and other elements in the ecosystem.

Question 4

What does dependent arising imply about our actions?

Answer 4

Our actions would not happen without causes, indicating that we are interconnected with all other beings.

Question 5

What is Kamma?

Answer 5

Kamma is a specific example of dependent arising, where our actions create the conditions for happiness or suffering in later lives.