Grammatical Analysis
Natthipaccaya: [m.] Absence condition. Formed by natthi (is not, does not exist, absence) + paccaya (condition).
Orthodox Definition
Natthi-paccaya is the twenty-second of the 24 Conditions. It operates on the same logical framework as the Proximity condition (Anantara-paccaya).
Because the mind can only process one cognitive event at a time, a preceding mind-moment must completely die and become absolutely absent before the next mind-moment can arise. Therefore, the preceding mind-moment conditions the succeeding mind-moment by the very act of its own absence. It gets out of the way.
The commentaries use the simile of a flame passing from one candle to another, or light replacing darkness. The darkness conditions the manifestation of the light precisely by becoming absent. The absence of the old is the absolute requirement for the arising of the new.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Paṭṭhāna – “Consciousness and mental factors that have just ceased are related to the present consciousness and mental factors by absence condition.”
- Commentary: Paṭṭhāna-aṭṭhakathā – Explaining that absence is not a “nothingness,” but a highly active causal opening.