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Paṭṭhāna: How the Four Clingings Pair Up
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Paṭṭhāna: How the Four Clingings Pair Up

Upādānadukaṃ

The clinging pair shows that sensual clinging pairs up in mutual dependence with each of the other three clingings: clinging to views, to rules and observances, and to a doctrine of self. The moment the mind turns to an object (adverting) conditions clinging immediately after, and the text says that relying even on lodgings a person may steal.

6 points

In the Paṭṭhāna of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka, volume 43, there is a pair called the clinging pair (upādāna-duka). It divides states into clinging and states that are not clinging. The text names four clingings: sensual clinging (kāmupādāna), clinging to views (diṭṭhupādāna), clinging to rules and observances as purifying (sīlabbatupādāna), and clinging to a doctrine of self (attavādupādāna).

The Dependent Chapter opens with pairings: sensual clinging arises dependent on clinging to views, clinging to views dependent on sensual clinging, and the same pairing with clinging to rules and observances and with clinging to a doctrine of self. In the Investigation Chapter the text gives examples: delight in one's wholesome deeds gives rise to lust and view; adverting conditions clinging; and a person, relying on faith, virtue or lodgings, takes what is not given.

This page selects only examples the text states clearly.

  1. 1

    Sensual clinging is the hub of the pairings Diṭṭhupādānaṃ paṭicca kāmupādānaṃ

    The Dependent Chapter says that sensual clinging arises dependent on clinging to views, clinging to views dependent on sensual clinging, sensual clinging dependent on clinging to rules and observances, clinging to rules and observances dependent on sensual clinging, sensual clinging dependent on clinging to a doctrine of self, and clinging to a doctrine of self dependent on sensual clinging. Every pair the text gives includes sensual clinging. This point is for overall understanding.

    Applying it in daily life

    When you see yourself holding a view tightly, look for the wanting tied to it, such as wanting to be right or wanting to be accepted.

  2. 2

    Wanting and faith in rituals and observances Sīlabbatupādānaṃ paṭicca kāmupādānaṃ

    In this pair, sensual clinging arises dependent on clinging to rules and observances, and clinging to rules and observances dependent on sensual clinging. Clinging to the idea that following certain practices or rituals will purify you or get you what you want arises together with wanting, and each supports the other.

    Applying it in daily life

    If you find yourself performing a ritual or formula hoping for luck or gain, ask what you are hoping for, then see whether there is a direct way to bring that result about.

  3. 3

    Wanting and clinging to a self Kāmupādānaṃ paṭicca attavādupādānaṃ

    The text says that sensual clinging and clinging to a doctrine of self depend on each other. In the section on arising not by prenascence condition, it gives this pair as arising in the immaterial realm, with the note that in the immaterial realm there are two clingings. Clinging to self and wanting go together even in an existence without matter.

    Applying it in daily life

    When you want something badly, notice the word "mine" arising in the mind. Just seeing that word appear with the wanting starts to loosen it a little.

  4. 4

    The moment of turning comes before clinging Āvajjanā upādānānaṃ anantarapaccayena paccayo

    Under proximity condition, the text says that earlier aggregates that are not clinging condition later clinging, and that adverting, the moment the mind turns to an object, conditions clinging by proximity condition. Clinging arises immediately after the moment the mind has turned to its object, with nothing in between.

    Applying it in daily life

    Practise noticing the moment your eyes have just seen something you like, or your finger is about to tap "buy". Pause for one breath, then decide.

  5. 5

    Delighting in what is not clinging, then clinging arises Taṃ ārabbha rāgo uppajjati diṭṭhi

    Under object condition, the text says that a person gives, keeps the precepts or observes the Uposatha, then delights in and relishes that wholesome deed, and on account of it lust and view arise. When one delights in the eye or aggregates that are not clinging, lust and view arise likewise. Things that are not themselves clinging can be the object from which clinging arises.

    Applying it in daily life

    Notice when things you use every day, such as your body or your phone, become something you cling to, for example when you get irritated because someone touches them.

  6. 6

    Relying on ordinary things, one can still do wrong Senāsanaṃ upanissāya adinnaṃ ādiyati

    Under decisive support condition of the natural kind, the text says that a person, relying on faith, generates conceit and takes up a view; relying on virtue, wisdom, lust, longing or lodgings, takes what is not given, lies and speaks divisively. Where it is a support for clinging, the text goes on to burglary, robbery, adultery and killing people. Things one relies on, good or neutral, can support wrongdoing once clinging comes in.

    Applying it in daily life

    When you are given a position, trust or shared resources, set rules for yourself in advance about what is yours and what is not, so that clinging does not quietly widen its territory.

Try it in daily life

What this pair shows is that sensual clinging is the hub that pairs with the other kinds. Wanting often comes with the belief that the thing should be ours, with a ritual or formula believed to get it, and with the sense of a self who owns it.

The point you can use at once is the first moment the mind turns towards an object. The text shows that this moment conditions clinging immediately after. If you train yourself to notice the moment the mind has just turned to something you like, you have more room to choose before clinging takes shape.

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