Grammatical Analysis
Vigatapaccaya: [m.] Disappearance condition. Formed by vigata (gone away, disappeared, departed) + paccaya (condition).
Orthodox Definition
Vigata-paccaya is the twenty-third of the 24 Conditions. Functionally and doctrinally, it is absolutely identical to the Absence condition (Natthi-paccaya).
Both conditions describe a preceding mind-moment dying to make room for the next. The Abhidhamma uses two different terms purely for linguistic thoroughness and rhetorical emphasis. While Natthi emphasizes that the preceding moment “is not” anymore, Vigata emphasizes that the preceding moment has entirely “departed” or “vanished” without leaving a trace. It reinforces the absolute impermanence (anicca) of the cognitive process.
The commentaries equate the disappearance condition to the fading of the morning mist, which allows the sunlight to strike the earth.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Paṭṭhāna – The canonical phrasing is verbatim identical to the Absence condition.
- Commentary: Paṭṭhāna-aṭṭhakathā – Confirming that Natthi and Vigata represent the exact same reality, differing only in the letter (byañjana), not the meaning (attha).