Question

Choose in content of Pratītyasamutpāda.
• [A.] Kṛṣṇa was the preceptor of Pratītyasamutpāda.
• [B.] Explanation of Pratītyasamutpāda is evident in Gītā.
• [C.] One who sees Pratītyasamutpāda, sees Dhamma
• [D.] Pratītyasamutpāda is a doctrine of Sāṃkhya
• [E.] One who sees Dhamma, sees Pratītyasamutpāda Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A and B only
• B. D and A only
• C. C and E only
• D. C and D only

Hint:

The Buddha equated Dhamma with Dependent Origination: \[ \text{Seeing Pratītyasamutpāda = Seeing Dhamma} \] This is one of the most important equations in Buddhist philosophy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Pratītyasamutpāda (Dependent Origination) is one of the most fundamental doctrines of Buddhism. It explains that all phenomena arise dependent upon causes and conditions. Nothing exists independently or eternally. The Buddha considered this doctrine identical with the realization of Dhamma itself.

Step 1: Understanding Statements C and E. These statements are based directly on a famous Buddhist canonical teaching: \[ \text{Yo paṭiccasamuppādaṃ passati so dhammaṃ passati;} \] \[ \text{Yo dhammaṃ passati so paṭiccasamuppādaṃ passati.} \] Meaning:
• One who sees Dependent Origination sees the Dhamma.
• One who sees the Dhamma sees Dependent Origination. Thus:
• Statement C is correct.
• Statement E is correct.

Step 2: Why Statement A is incorrect. Statement A says Kṛṣṇa was the preceptor of Pratītyasamutpāda. This is incorrect. Pratītyasamutpāda is a uniquely Buddhist doctrine discovered and taught by Gautama Buddha after Enlightenment. Though Hindu traditions discuss karma and causation, the Buddhist doctrine of dependent origination is philosophically distinct. Hence, Statement A is false.

Step 3: Why Statement B is incorrect. The Bhagavad Gītā discusses duty, karma, yoga, and devotion. However, it does not systematically explain the Buddhist doctrine of Pratītyasamutpāda with its twelve-link causal chain. Therefore, Statement B is incorrect.

Step 4: Why Statement D is incorrect. Sāṃkhya philosophy teaches:
• Dualism of Puruṣa and Prakṛti
• Satkāryavāda
• Eternal principles Pratītyasamutpāda, however, rejects substantial eternal entities and emphasizes conditionality and momentariness. Hence, it is not a doctrine of Sāṃkhya. Statement D is false.

Step 5: Final Conclusion. Only Statements C and E correctly represent Buddhist doctrine regarding Pratītyasamutpāda. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(3)\ \text{C and E only}} \]