In Theravada Buddhism, the Patthana is the seventh and most complex book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. It details the 24 conditions (Paccaya) that explain how all mental and physical phenomena interact and support one another.

Think of it as the ultimate "interconnectivity map" of the universe—nothing exists in isolation.

1. Root Condition (Hetu-paccaya)

  Like the root of a tree, these are the six mental factors (greed, hatred, delusion, and their opposites) that stabilize a state of mind.

2. Object Condition (Arammana-paccaya)

  Anything that becomes an object of consciousness, a sight, a sound, or even a memory. Without an object, consciousness cannot arise.

3. Predominance Condition (Adhipati-paccaya)

  The "boss" factor. One of four things, intention, energy, consciousness, or wisdom, takes the lead in a particular moment.

4. Proximity Condition (Anantara-paccaya)

  The immediate preceding mental state that allows the next one to arise without a gap.

5. Contiguity Condition (Samanantara-paccaya)

  Essentially the same as proximity, emphasizing the perfect, seamless "vanishing" of one state to make room for another.

6. Conascence Condition (Sahajata-paccaya)

  Phenomena that arise together at the exact same moment, like the light and heat of a candle flame.

7. Mutuality Condition (Annamanna-paccaya)

  Things that support each other reciprocally, like three sticks leaning against one another to stand up.

8. Support Condition (Nissaya-paccaya)

  A dependency relationship, like the earth supporting plants or a canvas supporting a painting.

9. Decisive Support Condition (Upanissaya-paccaya)

  A powerful, indirect influence—like a strong habit, a teacher's advice, or even the weather affecting your mood.

10. Pre-existence Condition (Purejata-paccaya)

  Something that arose earlier but is still present to support a new state (e.g. your physical eye must exist before "seeing" can happen).

11. Post-existence Condition (Pascajata-paccaya)

  Mental states that arise later and help maintain the physical body that was already there.

12. Repetition Condition (Asevana-paccaya)

  Like practicing a skill; the repetition of similar mental states increases the strength and "habit" of the mind.

13. Kamma Condition (Kamma-paccaya)

  The intentional action (volition) that produces a result, either immediately or in the future.

14. Result Condition (Vipaka-paccaya)

  The effortless "ripening" of previous actions. It’s the passive result, not the active doing.

15. Nutriment Condition (Ahara-paccaya)

  The four "foods"—physical food, contact, mental volition, and consciousness, that sustain life.

16. Faculty Condition (Indriya-paccaya)

  Factors that exercise control in their own sphere, like the eye controlling sight or faith controlling the mind.

17. Jhana Condition (Jhana-paccaya)

  Specific factors (like focus or joy) that link the mind closely to an object, often associated with meditation.

18. Path Condition (Magga-paccaya)

  Factors that lead to a specific destination (either toward enlightenment or away from it).

19. Association Condition (Sampayutta-paccaya)

  Mental states that are thoroughly blended together, like milk and water, sharing the same object and base.

20. Dissociation Condition (Vippayutta-paccaya)

  States that support each other despite being totally different (e.g. the mind supporting the body or vice versa).

21. Presence Condition (Atthi-paccaya)

  A condition that must be actively present for another thing to exist or happen.

22. Absence Condition (Natthi-paccaya)

  A condition where the disappearance of something allows something else to happen (like the sun setting allows the stars to appear).

23. Disappearance Condition (Vigata-paccaya)

  Virtually identical to the absence condition; emphasizing the act of "going away" to make room.

24. Non-disappearance Condition (Avigata-paccaya)

  The continued presence of a condition that prevents the result from fading away.

Note: Many of these overlap. For example, a single moment of kindness might involve Root, Conascence, and Association conditions all at once!

Stay tuned for more posts explaining in detail with real world examples/experiences and understanding.

May you be blessed and supported by the unparalleled qualities of the Buddha! Through the study and reflection of these profound conditions, may you realize the ultimate truth and achieve the supreme bliss of Nibbana 🙏