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Paticcasamupada is a belief that is essential in fully understanding the ���ܻ���’s Dhamma. This is because it leads to the realisation, or deep understanding, of the Three Marks of Existence, also known as the Three Universal Truths. This is the belief that everything that is in existence exists because other things are in existence. Therefore, everything is interconnected, and everything affects everyone.

Paticcasamupada also relates to the principle of conditionality. This means that everything, whether mental or physical, exists and occurs because of the presence of certain conditions. Everything is dependent on other things.

The cycle of paticcasamupada

Past causes, such as ignorance, can become part of a person's consciousness, which means their feelings may be affected in the present. For example, not understanding the nature of homelessness, but being aware and conscious of it, may mean a Buddhist feels sadness and actively seeks to aid those in need.

Present causes, such as cravings, are linked to future effects, such as ageing and death. For example, unhealthy cravings (such as too much bad food) may mean a person becomes ill in old age.

Paticcasamupada is a cycle, as a future effect could itself become a cause of another future effect. This can go on and on.

Paticcasamupada may influence the way a Buddhist behaves and have an impact on their ethical conduct. This is because paticcasamupada makes Buddhists aware that their actions may have consequences and therefore they may aim to treat others in a positive way. Treating others with loving kindness (also known as metta) will bring Buddhists closer to being reborn into a higher spiritual world (nibbana). This process is also known as karma.