Grammatical Analysis
Anantarapaccaya: [m.] Proximity condition; contiguity condition. Formed by an (without) + antara (gap, interval) + paccaya (condition). Literally, the condition of having “no gap.”
Orthodox Definition
Anantara-paccaya is the fourth of the 24 Conditions. It governs the unbroken sequence of the mind-stream (citta-santāna).
Because two mind-moments cannot exist at the exact same time, cognition happens in a rapid, sequential line. Anantara-paccaya is the causal force where a preceding consciousness (citta) ceases, and by the very act of its ceasing, it makes room for and directly conditions the immediate arising of the next consciousness, with absolutely no spatial or temporal gap between them.
The classic simile is a Universal Monarch passing away. His death (the preceding citta) is the direct contiguity condition that allows his eldest son (the succeeding citta) to immediately ascend the throne. Without the preceding moment dying, the next moment cannot arise.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Paṭṭhāna – “Preceding consciousness and mental factors are related to succeeding consciousness and mental factors by proximity condition.”
- Commentary: Paṭṭhāna-aṭṭhakathā – The royal succession simile, demonstrating how the cognitive series (citta-vīthi) flows without interruption from birth to death, and from death to rebirth.