Yogācārabhūmi Śāstra: Volume IX, Explanation of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (VII)

Original text: What is the gate of dependent arising? It refers to the arising of cyclic existence (samsara) dependent on eight gates. First, the gate for the birth of inner consciousness. Second, the gate for the ripening of external karmic fruition. Third, the gate of birth and death for sentient beings in the world of the five aggregates. Fourth, the gate of formation, abiding, destruction, and voidness of the vessel-like universe (world system). Fifth, the gate of sustenance by food. Sixth, the gate of experiencing the pleasant and unpleasant results, obtained according to one's karma, due to the potent force arising from the enjoyment of actions performed by oneself. Seventh, the gate of power and influence. Eighth, the gate of mental purity.

Explanation: What is the gate of dependent arising? It is the gate of dependent arising that manifests cyclic existence based on eight gates. First, the gate for the birth of consciousness within the five-aggregate body. Second, the gate for the ripening of the external causes and conditions for karmic retribution. Third, the gate of death and birth for sentient beings in the world of the five aggregates. Fourth, the gate of formation, abiding, destruction, and voidness of the universe as the vessel-like world. Fifth, the gate of sustenance and maintenance by food. Sixth, it is the gate of experiencing the pleasant and unpleasant karmic results, obtained according to one's karmic retribution, due to the potent force arising from the enjoyment of the actions created by oneself. Seventh, the gate of one's own dignity and power. Eighth, the gate of mental purity.

Original text: What is the meaning of dependent arising? The meaning of being devoid of a sentient being (nairātmya), that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within being devoid of a sentient being, there is also the meaning of impermanence, that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within impermanence, there is also the meaning of momentary abiding, that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within momentary abiding, there is also the meaning of dependence on others (paratantra), that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within dependence on others, there is the meaning of being devoid of real function, that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within being devoid of real function, there is also the meaning of the uninterrupted continuity of cause and effect, that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within the uninterrupted continuity of cause and effect, there is also the meaning of the seeming transformation of similar causes and effects, that is the meaning of dependent arising. Within the seeming transformation of similar causes and effects, there is also the meaning of being created by one's own actions, that is the meaning of dependent arising.

Explanation: What is the meaning of dependent arising? The meaning that the nature of a sentient being is empty, the meaning of no inherent nature (niḥsvabhāva), is the meaning of dependent arising. The meaning that a sentient being has no inherent nature and is also impermanent, is the meaning of dependent arising. Sentient beings are not only impermanent but also have the meaning of being momentary, this is the meaning of dependent arising. Sentient beings are not only momentary but also have the meaning of being dependently arisen (paratantra), this is the meaning of dependent arising. Sentient beings are not only dependently arisen but also have the meaning of having no real function, this is the meaning of dependent arising. Although sentient beings have no real function, the meaning that cause and effect operate continuously and uninterruptedly is the meaning of dependent arising. Although sentient beings seem to be operating continuously in the aspect of cause and effect, in reality, there is no cause and effect, the meaning of having no real cause and effect, is the meaning of dependent arising. Although cause and effect seem to transform without real cause and effect, it is the meaning of being induced by the actions of the sentient being themselves, this is the meaning of dependent arising.

In summary, the meaning of dependent arising is the meaning of having no real dharmas (phenomena). It is a provisional and illusory dharma manifested by the coming together of causes and conditions. It appears to exist but is essentially empty. Therefore, sentient beings are dependently arisen dharmas; there are no real sentient beings. Sentient beings are impermanent, momentary, dependently arisen in nature, without real function of the five aggregates, characterized by the continuous succession of cause and effect, yet without any real cause and effect, because cause and effect themselves are also dependently arisen dharmas, unreal dharmas.

Dedication Verse: With all the merit from Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform, we dedicate it to all beings in the Dharma realm, we dedicate it to the people of the world. We pray for world peace, that wars may not arise; that all conflicts may cease, and weapons be forever laid down; that all disasters may completely subside! We pray that the people of all nations unite and help each other, treating one another with compassionate hearts; that the weather be favorable and the harvests plentiful, and the nations be prosperous and the people at peace! May all beings deeply believe in cause and effect, have compassionate hearts and refrain from killing; widely form good affinities, widely cultivate wholesome karma; believe in the Buddha and learn the Dharma, increasing their wholesome roots; understand suffering, abandon its origins, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; close the door to the evil destinies, and open the path to Nirvana! We pray that the Buddha Dharma may flourish forever, that the true Dharma may abide eternally; transforming the burning house of the three realms into the lotus land of Ultimate Bliss!