A Discourse on Dependent Origination

by Mahasi Sayadaw

Genres: Buddhism

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[james · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It took me a while to get through it--not easy stuff exactly but Saydaw explains that even the Buddha didn't expect everyone to fully understand some of these more esoteric concepts. What's important is seeing the three characteristics of all conditioned phenomena: suffering, not-self and impermanence. It is also crucial to understand how craving and attachment keep us in the perpetual samsara cycle. The first two noble truths--Suffering and Its cause (Craving)-- are explained by dependent origination. The final two of the four noble truths--the Truth of Cessation of Suffering and the Path itself are also inherent in dependent origination. With insight into craving and ignorance, we are able to end attachment and conquer hindrances and defilements. With this liberating insight attained through mindfulness and meditation we can wade past the mud-cloud of ignorance and see the light of enlightenment. Figure out how to incorporate dependent origination into your daily life. Seeing dependent origination is seeing your own interconnectedness with everything around you. Breath and slow down what has been an automatic and unconscious process and start to become aware of these tiny processes that arise and fade, arise and fade. What we experience is not permanent and can only be taken personally to the extent that we have created and nurtured an ego. Things that are impermanent are suffering. I think understanding dependent origination is understanding the art of living. Sayadaw gets into a fun discussion about eternalism and annihilation. He explains why buddhism takes the middle road and eschews the other two. For the life of me, I don't think I'll ever understand who is rebirthed in the next more-or-less favorable life if it isn't you? Rebirth supposes "you" +"again." This mechanism is never explained. It's not in the glossary, it's not in Cliffnotes. Just know rebirth happens. No bueno. If any author is going to make certain claims it is very much on the author to be clear what is meant by this concept. As far as I'm concerned, rebirth can/will take care of itself. Better-- take out any link in the chain of dependent origination and pau, the chain is broken. Rebirth will not happen again. Take out the cause, take out the effect. Want to end suffering?, Get on the path.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing teachings. So clear. Incorporates Abhidhamma.