Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, Volume X (The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination)

(7) Original Text: Question: For what reason is aging-and-death placed first when expounding the dependent arising in reverse order? Answer: It is based on the principle of the Truths as proclaimed [by the Buddha]. Because birth and aging-and-death reveal the Noble Truth of Suffering. As the Blessed One said: "The cessation of new name-and-form is the foremost principle." Question: Why is it not stated that the cessation of all ignorance is the foremost? Answer: [The statement about name-and-form cessation] is established with reference to one liberated in mind. For such a person, the seed of suffering in the present existence and the future fruit of suffering cease without arising. Therefore, name-and-form is spoken of as first and feeling as last, [indicating] the attainment of complete cessation. Furthermore, in the present existence, when experiencing feelings, craving and its proclivities are permanently uprooted and cease to arise—this is called cessation. Because that ceases, with it as the foremost, the remaining factors also cease. The sequence of expounding dependent arising should be understood in such categories.

Explanation: Question: What cause and condition lead to placing aging-and-death first in the reverse sequence of dependent origination when explaining the twelve links? Answer: This is based on the principle of the Four Noble Truths proclaimed by the Blessed One, because birth and aging-and-death reveal the Truth of Suffering, just as the Blessed One stated that the cessation of new name-and-form is the supreme principle.

Question: Why is it not said that the cessation of all ignorance is the supreme principle? Answer: The cessation of ignorance being foremost is established with reference to one liberated in mind, while the Truth of Suffering through dependent origination is established with the cessation of aging-and-death related to name-and-form. Because within the present existence, the seed of suffering and the future fruit of suffering cease without being born; therefore, the reverse sequence of dependent origination places name-and-form first and feeling last, whereby name-and-form can be completely extinguished. Within the present existence, when experiencing these feelings, craving and its latent tendencies can be permanently uprooted and cease to arise—this is called cessation. Due to the cessation of craving, with it as primary, the other links subsequently cease as well. One practicing dependent origination should understand that the sequence of expounding the doctrine is explained in this manner.

Original Text: Question: Why is dependent arising said to be 'dependent arising' (pratītyasamutpāda)? Answer: Because, bound by afflictions, [beings] go to various destinies and are born again and again. Hence it is called 'dependent arising'. This explains the name based on its etymology. Furthermore, relying on various conditions, [phenomena] rapidly cease and then arise again through renewed conjunction. Hence it is called 'dependent arising'. This explains the meaning based on the momentary [nature]. Furthermore, although the various conditions have passed, they do not abandon [their connection]; relying on their inherent continuity, [phenomena] arise. Hence it is called 'dependent arising'. As stated: "Because this exists, that exists; because this arises, that arises"—not otherwise. The explanation of the name should be understood based on this meaning. Furthermore, because [phenomena] cease again and again and arise again and again in succession, it is called 'dependent arising'. This explains the meaning based on repeated dissolution and cessation. Furthermore, having realized the nature of conditions in the past, [phenomena] arise in equal succession. Hence it is called 'dependent arising'. As the Blessed One said: "Having realized [this], I rightly arise to proclaim it." It is precisely by this name that it is transmitted progressively; hence it is called 'dependent arising'.

Explanation: Question: Why is dependent arising said to be dependent arising? Answer: Because bound by afflictions, beings go to the six realms and are born countless times, taking up the five aggregates, therefore it is called dependent arising. This names it based on the meaning of the words. Furthermore, the five aggregates rely on numerous conditions; after rapidly ceasing, they arise again through the conjunction of conditions, therefore it is called dependent arising. This explains the name based on the meaning of momentary arising and ceasing.

Furthermore, although the numerous conditions have ceased, the five aggregates do not abandon [their continuity]; relying on their own sequential connection, they arise again, therefore it is called dependent arising. This is what is meant by "because this exists, that exists; because this arises, that arises." One should understand that the name is explained based on this meaning.

Furthermore, the five aggregates cease countless times and arise again countless times in succession, therefore it is called dependent arising. This explains the name based on the meaning of repeated destruction and repeated cessation. Furthermore, in past lives, having realized the nature of the conditioned world, the aggregates arise in equal succession, therefore it is called dependent arising. As the Blessed One said: "I have realized [this truth] and rightly arise to proclaim the doctrine of dependent arising." It is precisely because of this name 'dependent arising' that it is so designated.