Table of Contents

Preface and acknowledgements Introduction: Buddhism and Conditionality - 'Those things conditionally arisen - ' - A presentation of conditionality - How to use this book Part 1: Core Teachings on Conditionality Chapter 1: The Principle of Conditionality - The fundamental principle of the Dharma - A vision of human existence - The Dharma as a practical teaching - An example - stress - The difference between 'causes' and 'conditions' - Conditionality as a transcendental principle - The difficulty of the Dharma Chapter 2: The Scope of Conditionality - The conversions of Sariputta and Moggallana - Reactive mind and creative mind - The four noble truths - Dukkha and its origin in craving - Cessation and the path - Mindful awareness as the hinge Chapter 3: The Twelve Links - The twelve nidanas in the Pali canon - The Wheel of Life and the three-life interpretation - The twelve nidanas as explaining dukkha - Ignorance, formations, consciousness and name-and-form - The six sense realms, contact, feeling, and craving - Clinging, existence, birth and ageing-and-death Chapter 4: The Spiral Path - The factors of the 'spiral path' - Opening stages of the path - The path from joy to insight - Insight, liberation and awakening - Two images for the path - How to approach the path Part 2: The Implications of Conditionality Chapter 5: Karma, Conditionality and Ethics - The Buddha's teaching of karma - Karma as intention - Karma, defilements and character - Karma and ethics Chapter 6: Conditionality as Middle Way - The middle way as a lifestyle - The extremes of indulgence and self-mortification - The middle way between existence and non-existence - Eternalism and annihilationism Chapter 7: The Nature of Existence - All conditioned things are impermanent and unsatisfactory - All things are without self - Proliferation and conflict - The conditioned and the unconditioned Chapter 8: Emptiness and Interdependence - Conditionality as 'emptiness' - Mutual interpenetration - The 'poetry of interconnectedness' - Interdependence and conditionality Appendix: 24 Nidana Reflection - Introductory note - Part 1: the spiral path - Part 2: the cyclic nidanas - Part 3: the spiral path (concluded) - Concluding note: - Pronounciation Guide for Pali and Sanskrit Words - Glossary of Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist terms - Notes and References

About the Author

Thomas Jones was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2004, receiving the name Dhivan, meaning 'thoughtful' or 'intelligent'. At Lancaster University he obtained a BA in Religious Studies and a PhD in the philosophy of love. He also has a degree in Pali and Sanskrit from the University of Cambridge and teaches courses in the arts for the Open University. Sagaraghosa is a renowned teacher of Buddhism and meditation. She currently leads courses in meditation and Buddhism in Cambridge.

Reviews

"Clearly and intelligently written, this book carries a lot of good advice." Professor Richard Gombrich, author of 'What the Buddha Thought'. "Like all fine writers, Dhivan Thomas Jones makes complex ideas simple and subtle truths compelling. The Buddha considered conditionality the heart of his message and fathoming it the key to a happy, creative and fulfilling life. This excellent book teases out his meaning and makes you want to start putting it into practice right away." Vishvapani Blomfield, author of 'Gautama Buddha: the Life and Teachings of the Awakened One'.