Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Pratītyasamutpāda is constructed by joining two words Pratītya and Samutpāda. Reason (R) : Creation of Bhāvas rather than Hetu Pratyayas is called Pratītyasamutpāda. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

In Buddhism, Pratītyasamutpāda explains that nothing exists independently. Always remember the formula: \[ \text{Dependence} + \text{Origination} = \text{Pratītyasamutpāda} \] This doctrine is closely connected with impermanence (Anitya) and non-self (Anātman).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Pratītyasamutpāda (Dependent Origination) is one of the most fundamental doctrines of Buddhism. It explains that all phenomena arise only in dependence upon causes and conditions and that nothing exists independently or permanently. This principle forms the philosophical basis of Buddhist teachings on suffering, impermanence, and non-self.

Step 1: Analyzing Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states that the word Pratītyasamutpāda is formed by combining two words: Pratītya and Samutpāda. This statement is linguistically correct.
• Pratītya means “depending upon,” “having relied upon,” or “conditional upon.”
• Samutpāda means “arising,” “origination,” or “coming into existence.” When these two words are combined, the compound term literally means: \[ \text{Dependent Origination} \quad \text{or} \quad \text{Arising in Dependence} \] Thus, Assertion (A) is correct because it accurately explains the grammatical construction of the term.

Step 2: Analyzing Reason (R). Reason (R) explains the philosophical meaning of the doctrine. It states that the arising of Bhāvas (phenomena or states of existence) through Hetu (causes) and Pratyaya (conditions) is called Pratītyasamutpāda. This reflects the core Buddhist formula: \[ \textit{``Imasmin sati idaṃ bhavati''} \] meaning: \[ \textit{``When this exists, that comes into existence.''} \] According to Buddhism:
• Nothing originates independently.
• Every event or phenomenon depends upon multiple causes and conditions.
• Existence is relational and conditional, not absolute. For example:
• A plant grows because of seed, water, sunlight, and soil.
• Suffering arises because of ignorance, craving, and attachment. Thus, Reason (R) correctly defines the doctrinal meaning of Pratītyasamutpāda.

Step 3: Evaluating the relationship between Assertion and Reason. Now we must determine whether Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A). The linguistic construction mentioned in Assertion (A) directly reflects the philosophical meaning described in Reason (R):
• The term Pratītya signifies dependence on causes and conditions.
• The term Samutpāda signifies origination or arising.
• Therefore, the complete word was intentionally formed to express the doctrine that phenomena arise dependently. Hence, Reason (R) provides the conceptual explanation behind the compound word mentioned in Assertion (A).

Step 4: Final Conclusion. Both statements are true individually, and the Reason correctly explains the meaning and significance of the Assertion. Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.