All One Dharma Message

Greetings,
For the past 3 month we covered one of the most important Dharma teachings: "Paticcasamupada" or the Law of Dependent Origination.
Here is a quick refresher and the location of a great site explaining this subject. Metta.
- Udo

What is the Law of Dependent Origination?
The Law of Dependent Origination is one of the important laws of the universe discovered by Shakyamuni Buddha (through enlightenment). It simply states that

It is produced; therefore the other is produced.
It is extinguished; therefore the other is extinguished.
It exists; therefore the other exists.
It does not exist; therefore the other does not exist.
It is an elaboration of the Principle of Cause and Effect, highlighting the concept of inter-dependency of existence, and also the duality/non-duality. It looks simple. But in fact, it is very deep and profound, especially when it is applied to our daily life.

Basically, we can understand the Law of Dependent Origination in three ways:

related to the cause and effect.
related to inter-dependency
related to profundity


9.1.1 Related to Cause and Effect

One reaps what one sows. It is very simple, and is agreed upon and accepted by most people. Every effect has its cause. However, if we talk about cause and effect without considering the condition, we are a fatalist. Buddhism rejects it. An effect can only arise depending on condition(s). Cause is primary while condition is secondary. In other words, a wholesome deed at present can be a cause of a good retribution/effect in future. However, a wholesome deed at present can also be a condition for preventing the bad retribution (evil effect due to the evil cause in the past), as a bad retribution usually comes in effect under adverse/unwholesome conditions. Even if it really comes, the effect is generally less severe, particularly if we sincerely repent of our evil deed in the past. Moreover, since cause cannot come in effect without condition(s), it is important to note that although one cannot change the cause and effect, one can change the conditions. This is why Buddhism emphasizes to change our fate by changing the condition.

If we cultivate the wholesome causes, we have good retribution. Thus, we should have a strong belief and deep understanding of the law and act in accordance with it, in order to have a better living with happiness and blessings.

9.1.2 Related to Inter-dependency

Literally, interdependency means one cannot exist without the other. Its existence depends on the other. In other words, "it" and "the other" are co-existent, for instance, up and down, right and wrong, good and evil, bright and dark, subject and object, you and I, etc. There is no independent existence. Nothing has its own nature of existence. It deduces the non-existence of an independent "I". By definition, the existence of an independent "I" is (1) independent (2) permanent (3) self-sovereign. Buddhism does not reject a convenient designation named "I", but rejects the belief in a real, independent and permanent entity ! Buddhism also rejects the belief of the Creator of Universe as there is no exception to the law. This will be further elaborated in The Three Universal Truths in the next section at this site....

http://www.buddhistdoor.com/passissue/9606/sources/teach9.htm