Grammatical Analysis
Atthipaccaya: [m.] Presence condition. Formed by atthi (is, exists, presence) + paccaya (condition).
Orthodox Definition
Atthi-paccaya is the twenty-first of the 24 Conditions. It is a vast, overarching causal principle stating that certain phenomena can only condition other phenomena simply by the fact that they are currently present and existing at the same time.
It encompasses many of the previous conditions (like co-nascence, support, and pre-nascence) under a broader logical umbrella. If the physical eye was not currently present, seeing could not occur. If the object was not currently present, consciousness could not arise. The sheer, undeniable presence of a phenomenon provides the necessary friction and support for reality to unfold.
The commentaries compare the Presence condition to the great earth. The earth does not “do” anything active to make the trees grow, but its simple, massive presence is the absolute prerequisite for the forest to exist.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Paṭṭhāna – “The four immaterial aggregates are related to one another by presence condition. The great elements are related to one another by presence condition.”
- Commentary: Paṭṭhāna-aṭṭhakathā – The earth simile, demonstrating passive but absolute existential support.