Only when both the Decisive Support Condition (upanissaya-paccaya) and the Path Condition (magga-paccaya) are present

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"Although dāna (giving) is called 'the act of offering,' when we extract its essence, it is cetanā (volition) led by saddhā (faith). Cetanā is kamma (volitional action), and kamma is life itself. Kammabhavapaccayā jāti – this kamma not only yields the result of rebirth (jāti), but we should also understand it gives pavattiphala (benefits/results experienced in the present life). Paṭisandhivedaka (conception-linking result) refers to the result that establishes rebirth as a human, deva, or in the lower realms. Pavattivedaka (present-life result) refers to the good results experienced during the present existence. Therefore, saddhā (faith) is upanissayapaccayo (decisive support condition) – remember it as a powerful condition. As taught in the Paṭṭhāna Pāḷi: Saddhaṃ upanissāya dānaṃ deti, sīlaṃ samādiyati, uposathakammaṃ karoti, jhānaṃ uppādeti, maggaṃ uppādeti ('Based on faith as decisive support, one gives gifts, undertakes precepts, performs the Uposatha observance, generates concentration, generates the path'). We should understand that the cetanā (volition) of giving, led by saddhā, can yield results up to jhāna (absorption), magga (path), and phala (fruition). It can yield all results: jhānas, maggas, abhiññās (higher knowledges), samāpattis (attainments). Why can it give such results? Because it is upanissayapaccaya (decisive support condition). Pakatūpanissayapaccaya refers to a condition possessing balavassatṭha (the property of strength) – a condition with the nature of being a powerful cause. This powerful cause can be beneficial all the way to the end of the endless rounds of saṃsāra. Therefore, the Blessed One taught 'maggaṃ uppādeti' – it can also cause the magga (path) to arise. If one attains the magga, Nibbāna is included. Although it is said it can cause the magga to arise, it does so by acting as upanissaya (decisive support). It helps by making the conditions suitable for the work of the magga to be done. When the conditions become suitable, one undertakes the work of the magga. One observes udayabbaya (arising and passing away). Seeing the repulsiveness in arising and passing away, and their cessation, the true magga arises, and one sees Nibbāna. This is how it benefits without lacking its causal power. When one undertakes the work of the magga, it also becomes maggapaccayo (path condition). The very fact that one does undertake the work of the magga involves prior upanissaya. Without prior upanissaya, one would not undertake it; one wouldn't even gain a human existence. Even if reborn human, one wouldn't meet a good teacher. Even if meeting a good teacher, the desire to do it wouldn't arise. Amongst such numerous potential failures, what supports and enables one to encounter the opportunity and actually undertake the work of the magga is the very nature of the upanissayapaccaya. It provides the decisive support, enabling one to make the effort. Therefore, acts like building monasteries, erecting Buddha images, offering alms-food, or any act of giving – these are upanissayapaccaya. The fact that one does undertake the work of Dhamma practice (magga) is maggapaccayo (path condition). Remember this: without upanissayapaccaya, maggapaccayo cannot arise. Sending one to be born human is upanissayapaccaya. Once born human, providing prosperity and ease is also upanissayapaccaya. Being born where the Sāsana (dispensation) flourishes is upanissayapaccaya. Meeting a teacher capable of expounding the Dhamma is upanissayapaccaya. Having the 'ear that understands' is upanissayapaccaya. All these things that provide the supportive conditions enabling one to undertake the work of the magga should be understood as upanissayapaccaya. Therefore, in striving to attain jhāna, magga, and phala, if upanissayapaccaya is absent, one cannot succeed. Upanissayapaccaya aids and supports maggapaccaya. Maggapaccaya benefits by leading to Nibbāna. Venerable Dr. Ashin Parami See also: http://myakyunthar.blogspot.com/?m=1