Idappaccayatā is the greatest law of nature. It is the law that explains the interconnectedness of all things. Nothing arises without causes and conditions, and nothing can exist without supporting factors. This law encompasses everything, from the smallest atom to the vast universe, including the abstract processes in our minds.
The True Meaning
The word "Idappaccayatā" literally means "the state of having this as a condition." The Buddha summarized this essential principle in four short sentences:
"When this exists, that exists.
Because this arises, that arises.
When this does not exist, that does not exist.
Because this ceases, that ceases."
This is a universal law that transcends time. Whether the Buddha appeared or not, this law remains and functions with precision.
Idappaccayatā as "The Law of Formation"
The principle of Idappaccayatā can be explained through the process called Paṭiccasamuppāda or the cycle of dependent origination of twelve factors, which shows the chain of cause and effect that gives rise to "suffering" in our lives.
It begins with Avijjā (ignorance) as a condition for Saṅkhāra (volitional formations), Saṅkhāra as a condition for Viññāṇa (consciousness), and continues until Jāti (birth) and Jarā-maraṇa (aging and death) along with all sorrows.
This cycle shows that suffering does not arise randomly, but has a clear process of formation. Understanding this cycle is the key to extinguishing suffering, because when we can break any link in the chain, the entire cycle collapses. For example, when ignorance ceases, formations cease, and everything in the cycle ceases in sequence.
Relationship with Psychology
In psychology, Idappaccayatā helps us understand the "origin" of emotions and thoughts. We don't get angry just because we want to, but because there is a cause (contact), a feeling (vedanā) arises, and attachment (upādāna) follows. If we cut this cycle at any point, the result will change.
For example, when someone speaks harshly to us (contact), we feel displeased (feeling). If we let the mind continue to fabricate with the thought "they are insulting us" (craving and attachment), anger (becoming) will arise intensely. But if we are mindful of the displeasure that arises and do not continue to fabricate the story, anger cannot form.
Practical Application in Daily Life
Mindfulness practice is an important tool for "seeing" this chain of causes and conditions. When we are mindful, we see emotions forming and can stop them from developing into intense suffering.
Reflecting on Causes and Conditions
When problems or suffering arise, instead of dwelling on negative feelings, try asking yourself: "What are the causes and conditions that made this happen?" This helps shift perspective from "victim" to "learner."
Creating Good Causes
When we understand that everything arises from causes, we stop relying on divine intervention or fate, but instead consciously create "good causes" in the present. For example, if we want good health (result), we must create the cause: exercise and choosing nutritious food.
Letting Go
Understanding this law helps us accept that some things are beyond our control, because they are results of past causes and conditions that we can no longer change. What we can do is accept that result and create the best new causes we can in the present.
Deep understanding of the law of Idappaccayatā will make us stop blaming the world around us, but instead develop ourselves from within, and live with understanding, diligence, and always with hope, because we know we can create a better future through our actions in the present.