Explanation of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra (Lecture 18)

Question: Since the latent defilements have not been eradicated, they give rise to conformity with those dharmas, causing all kinds of grasping to arise. Why then is it said here that craving alone is the condition for grasping? Answer: It is because craving arises from desire. When pursuing [the objects of craving], it can activate the latent defilements and induce the mind to conform to them. Therefore, it is craving, not the latent defilements themselves, that is the condition for the arising of grasping.

Explanation: The term "latent defilements" (anuśaya) means that when afflictions are not eradicated, they persist as seeds hidden within the ālaya-vijñāna (storehouse consciousness), or lie dormant within it. When conditions mature, these afflictions manifest. However, afflictions also accompany the mental faculty (manas), following it. When conditions ripen, the mental faculty conforms to the afflictions, manifesting them, and karmic actions subsequently arise. Craving (tṛṣṇā) is one type of affliction. It is due to craving that the mental formation of grasping arises. Afflictions like hatred (dveṣa), however, involve aversion and opposition; they do not constitute conformity or grasping. Hence, it is said "conditioned by craving, grasping arises," not "conditioned by afflictions, grasping arises."

Question: It was previously stated that ignorance (avidyā) is the condition that initiates karmic existence (bhava). Why is it now said that grasping (upādāna) is the condition for existence? Answer: It is due to the power of grasping that those karmic actions lead to the arising of consciousness (vijñāna), name-and-form (nāmarūpa), and other results within their respective realms of rebirth. Hence, it is said "conditioned by grasping, existence arises."

Question: The birth of a living being also depends on conditions such as the father's sperm and mother's blood. Why then is it stated here that existence alone is the condition for birth? Answer: Because the existence of karmic existence ensures that other necessary conditions are not lacking for the birth of a living being. Furthermore, since karmic existence is the most significant factor among the conditions, it alone is specified as the condition for birth.

Question: Aging and death can also occur due to conditions such as long journeys, encountering perils, or being oppressed by others. Why then is it stated here that birth alone is the condition for aging and death? Answer: Although those various conditions contribute, birth is always the fundamental condition for aging and death. Even if those other conditions are absent, as long as birth has occurred, aging and death are certain to follow. Without birth, no amount of other conditions can produce aging and death. Therefore, it is said that birth is the condition for aging and death.

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