Transcendental Dependent Arising

Transcendental Dependent Arising ? Tuked away in the Samyutta Nikaya scripture among the ?connected sayings on causality? (Nidanasamyutta) is a short formalized text entitled the Upanisa Sutta, the ?Discourse on Supporting Conditions.? Though at first glance hardly conspicuous among the many interesting suttas in this collection, this little discourse turns out to be of tremendous importance. Its great significance derives from the striking juxtaposition it makes of two applications of ?dependent arising? (paticcasamuppada), the principle of conditionality which lies at the heart of the Buddha?s doctrine.