Grammatical Analysis
Samanantarapaccaya: [m.] Immediate proximity condition; Contiguous condition. Formed by sam (well, thoroughly, exactly) + anantara (without gap) + paccaya (condition).
Orthodox Definition
Samanantara-paccaya is the fifth of the 24 Conditions. Doctrinally and functionally, it is completely identical to Anantara-paccaya (Proximity condition).
Both conditions describe the exact same phenomenon: a preceding mind-moment ceasing and causing the immediate arising of the next mind-moment. The only difference is linguistic emphasis. While anantara emphasizes that there is no temporal or spatial interval between the two states, samanantara emphasizes the smooth, orderly, and thorough continuity of the process.
The Abhidhamma uses both terms to categorically refute any heretical views that suggest a “soul” or “pause” exists between thoughts. The transition is both gapless (anantara) and perfectly sequential (samanantara).
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Paṭṭhāna – The canonical phrasing for this condition mirrors the phrasing for Anantara-paccaya exactly.
- Commentary: Paṭṭhāna-aṭṭhakathā – Buddhaghosa clarifies that there is no difference in the actual reality being described, only a difference in the prefix used to emphasize the absolute seamlessness of the cognitive flow.