Grammatical Analysis
Āsevanapaccaya: [m.] Repetition condition; Habitual recurrence condition. Formed by āsevana (practice, repetition, cultivation) + paccaya (condition).
Orthodox Definition
Āsevana-paccaya is the twelfth of the 24 Conditions. It explains the psychological mechanics of habit, skill, and karmic momentum.
In a standard cognitive process (citta-vīthi), the active, karmically potent phase is called javana (running). There are usually seven javana mind-moments in rapid succession. Āsevana-paccaya dictates that the first javana moment conditions the second, making it stronger; the second conditions the third, making it even stronger, and so on. The preceding moment infuses its exact ethical quality (wholesome or unwholesome) into the succeeding moment through sheer repetition.
The commentaries use the simile of reading a book. The first time you read a text, you stumble over the words. The second time, it is easier. By the seventh time, you can recite it flawlessly. The previous readings act as a repetition condition for the mastery of the final reading.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Paṭṭhāna – “Preceding wholesome states are related to succeeding wholesome states by repetition condition.”
- Commentary: Paṭṭhāna-aṭṭhakathā – Providing the simile of applying multiple coats of perfume to a garment, where each coat makes the scent stronger.