The Enumeration and Explanation of
The Conditions
from the beginning of the
Paṭṭhānapāḷi
An English translation of the section which opens the last book of the Abhidhamma teachings which sets out the conditions and gives a detailed explanation of them (with an embedded reading of the text).
Burmese Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyana Text
translated by
Ānandajoti Bhikkhu
eBooks
01. The Enumeration of the Conditions
1. Root condition
2. Object condition
3. predominance condition
4. Preceding condition
5. Prior condition
6. Arising together condition
7. Mutuality condition
8. Support condition
9. Strong support condition
10. Arising before condition
11. Arising later condition
12. Habitual condition
13. (Intentional) deed condition
14. Result condition
15. Nutriment condition
16. Faculty condition
17. Absorption condition
18. Path condition
19. Association condition
20. Disassociation condition
21. Presence condition
22. Absence condition
23. Disappearance condition
24. Non-disappearance condition
02. The Explanation of the Conditions
01. ROOT CONDITION means roots The roots referred to here mean the wholesome or inconsequential roots of non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion (
02. OBJECT CONDITION means the form sense-sphere is related to the eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, Perception, feeling and (mental) processes. the condition being by way of object condition;
the sound sense-sphere is related to the ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of object condition;
the smell sense-sphere is related to the nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of object condition;
the taste sense-sphere is related to the tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of object condition;
the tangibles sense-sphere is related to the body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of object condition;
the form sense-sphere, the sound sense-sphere, the smell sense-sphere, the taste sense-sphere, the tangibles sense-sphere are related to the mind element, and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of object condition.
All thought sense-spheres are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of object condition.
Beginning with any thought sense-sphere whatever things arise, (whatever) mental factors and thoughts, these thoughts and whatever other thoughts (arise), the condition is by way of object condition.
03. predominance CONDITION means a predominance of (concentrated wholesome) desire is related to those thoughts associated with (wholesome) desire, and the forms that originate from it, the condition being by way of predominance condition;
a predominance of (concentrated) energy is related to those thoughts associated with energy, and the forms that originate from it, the condition being by way of predominance condition;
predominance of (concentrated wholesome) mind is related to those thoughts associated with (wholesome) mind, and the forms that originate from it, the condition being by way of predominance condition;
predominance of (concentrated) investigation is related to those thoughts associated with investigation, These four: (wholesome) desire, energy, (wholesome) mind and investigation when concentrated are the four paths to power (
After giving weight to one of these thoughts, whatever things arise, (whatever) mental factors and thoughts, these thoughts and whatever other thoughts (arise), the condition is by way of predominance condition.
04. PRECEDING CONDITION means eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition;
ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition;
nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition;
tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition;
body-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, By incosequential here is meant thoughts which produce no kammic result, usually because they are too weak. the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
Whenever any of these thoughts are preceding whatever things arise, (whatever) mental factors and thoughts, these thoughts are related to those thoughts, the condition being by way of preceding condition.
05. PRIOR CONDITION means eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition;
ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition;
nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition;
tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition;
body-consciousness element and the things associated with it are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition, mind element and the things associated with it are related to the mind-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
Whenever any of these thoughts are prior whatever things arise, (whatever) mental factors and thoughts, these thoughts are related to those thoughts, the condition being by way of prior condition.
06. ARISING TOGETHER CONDITION means the four formless constituents Perception, feeling, (mental) processes and consciousness. are mutually related, the condition being by way of arising together condition;
the four great elementals Earth or solidity, water or cohesion, fire or heat, and wind or motion (
at the time of descent (into the womb) mind and body are mutually related, the condition being by way of arising together condition;
mental factors and thoughts are related to forms that originate from the mind, the condition being by way of arising together condition;
the four great elementals are related to secondary form, the condition being by way of arising together condition.
Forms are sometimes related to the formless, the condition being by way of arising together condition; and sometimes the condition is not by way of arising together condition. Forms here apparently refers to the heart-base’s relationship to the four formless constituents, which arise together only at the time of conception. At other times the heart-base is a necessary prerequisite. See arising before condition below.
07. MUTUALITY CONDITION means the four formless constituents are related, the condition being by way of mutuality condition;
the four great elementals are related, the condition being by way of mutuality condition;
at the time of descent (into the womb) mind and body are related, the condition being by way of mutuality condition.
08. SUPPORT CONDITION means the four formless constituents are mutually related, the condition being by way of support condition;
the four great elementals are mutually related, the condition being by way of support condition;
at the time of descent (into the womb) mind and body are mutually related, the condition being by way of support condition;
mental factors and thoughts are related to forms that originate from the mind, the condition being by way of support condition;
the four great elementals are related to secondary form the condition being by way of support condition. Support condition only operates on those things that arise together, as above this point, or arise in succession, as in the ones below.
Eye sense-sphere The Eye sense-sphere, means the physical eye itself, and similarly throughout. is related to eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of support condition;
ear sense-sphere is related to ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of support condition;
nose sense-sphere is related to nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of support condition;
tongue sense-sphere is related to tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of support condition;
body sense-sphere is related to body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of support condition.
With the support of this form, The form referred to is the heart-base (
09. STRONG SUPPORT CONDITION means the immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to some later unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former wholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to some later wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former unwholesome thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
The immediately former inconsequential thoughts are related to the immediately following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of strong support condition.
Also season and food (may be) a condition by way of strong support condition.
Also a person (may be) a condition by way of strong support condition.
Also a dwelling place (may be) a condition by way of strong support condition.
10. ARISING BEFORE CONDITION means Eye sense-sphere is related to eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
ear sense-sphere is related to ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
nose sense-sphere is related to nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
tongue sense-sphere is related to tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
body sense-sphere is related to body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition.
The form sense-sphere is related to the eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
the sound sense-sphere is related to the ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
the smell sense-sphere is related to the nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
the taste sense-sphere is related to the tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
the tangibles sense-sphere is related to the body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition;
the form sense-sphere, the sound sense-sphere, the smell sense-sphere, the taste sense-sphere, the tangibles sense-sphere are related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition.
With the support of this form, mind element and the mind-consciousness element arise, that form is related to the mind element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition.
(That form is) sometimes related to mind-consciousness element and the thoughts associated with it, the condition being by way of arising before condition; and sometimes the condition is not by way of arising before condition. Normally form is related to mind-consciousness element by way of arising before condition, except at conception, when they arise together.
11. ARISING LATER CONDITION means mental factors and thoughts arising later are related to this collection of (things) arising before, the condition being by way of arising later condition.
12. HABITUAL CONDITION means former wholesome thoughts are related to the following wholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of habitual condition.
Former unwholesome thoughts are related to the following unwholesome thoughts, the condition being by way of habitual condition.
Former functionally inconsequential thoughts are related to the following functionally inconsequential thoughts, the condition being by way of habitual condition.
13. (INTENTIONAL) DEED CONDITION means a wholesome and an unwholesome (intentional) deed are related to the constituents of results and to the forms that originate from what was done, This indicates the results which have not come to fruition yet. the condition being by way of (intentional) deed condition;
Intention is related to those thoughts associated with it, and the forms that originate from it, the condition being by way of (intentional) deed condition.
14. RESULT CONDITION means the resultant four formless constituents are mutually related, the condition being by way of result condition.
15. NUTRIMENT CONDITION means material food is related to this body, the condition being by way of nutriment condition.
Formless foods These are contact (
16. FACULTY CONDITION means the eye-faculty is related to eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of faculty condition;
the ear-faculty is related to ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of faculty condition;
the nose-faculty is related to nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of faculty condition;
the tongue-faculty is related to tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of faculty condition;
the body-faculty is related to body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of faculty condition.
The physical life faculty is related to forms that originate from what was done, the condition being by way of faculty condition.
Formless faculties are related to those things associated with it, and the forms that originate from it, the condition being by way of faculty condition.
17. ABSORPTION CONDITION means the absorption factors The comm. names seven factors: thinking, reflection, joyful interest, happiness, sorrow, equanimity and one-pointedness of mind (
18. PATH CONDITION means the path factors The comm. names twelve path factors: wisdom (
19. ASSOCIATION CONDITION means the four formless constituents Only when they arise, persist and pass away together. are mutually related, the condition being by way of association condition.
20. DISASSOCIATION CONDITION means forms are related to the formless, the condition being by way of disassociation condition.
The formless is related to forms, the condition being by way of disassociation condition.
21. PRESENCE CONDITION means the four formless constituents are mutually related, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the four great elementals are mutually related, the condition being by way of presence condition;
at the time of descent (into the womb) mind and body are mutually related, the condition being by way of presence condition;
mental factors and thoughts are related to forms that originate from the mind, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the four great elementals are related to secondary form, the condition being by way of presence condition.
Eye sense-sphere is related to eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
ear sense-sphere is related to ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
nose sense-sphere is related to nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
tongue sense-sphere is related to tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
body sense-sphere is related to body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition.
The form sense-sphere is related to the eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the sound sense-sphere is related to the ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the smell sense-sphere is related to the nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the taste sense-sphere is related to the tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the tangibles sense-sphere is related to the body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition;
the form sense-sphere, the sound sense-sphere, the smell sense-sphere, the taste sense-sphere, the tangibles sense-sphere are related to the mind element, and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition.
With the support of this form, mind element and the mind-consciousness element arise, that form is related to the mind element and the mind-consciousness element and the thoughts associated with it, the condition being by way of presence condition.
22. ABSENCE CONDITION means mental factors and thoughts that have ceased being prior, are related to mental factors and thoughts that have arisen in the present, the condition being by way of absence condition.
23. DISAPPEARANCE CONDITION means mental factors and thoughts that have disappeared from being prior, are related to mental factors and thoughts that have arisen in the present, the condition being by way of disappearance condition.
24. NON-DISAPPEARANCE CONDITION means the four formless constituents are mutually related, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the four great elementals are mutually related, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
at the time of descent (into the womb) mind and body are mutually related, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
mental factors and thoughts are related to forms that originate from the mind, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the four great elementals are related to secondary form, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition.
Eye sense-sphere is related to eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
ear sense-sphere is related to ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
nose sense-sphere is related to nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
tongue sense-sphere is related to tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
body sense-sphere is related to body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition.
The form sense-sphere is related to the eye-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the sound sense-sphere is related to the ear-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the smell sense-sphere is related to the nose-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the taste sense-sphere is related to the tongue-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the tangibles sense-sphere is related to the body-consciousness element and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition;
the form sense-sphere, the sound sense-sphere, the smell sense-sphere, the taste sense-sphere, the tangibles sense-sphere are related to the mind element, and the things associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition.
With the support of this form, mind element and the mind-consciousness element arise, that form is related to the mind element and the mind-consciousness element and the thoughts associated with it, the condition being by way of non-disappearance condition.