Clinging (upādāna)
Indeterminate qualities / Dependent origination / Clinging 
Part of key topic Dependent Origination
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Subsumes: Selfish love (piya)
Alternative translations: Attachment, Grasping, Sustanence, Fuel
Subtags: Sensuality-clinging, View-clinging, Precepts-and-practices clinging, Doctrine-of-self clinging
170 excerpts, 11:17:47 total duration



Metta Retreat, Session 4 – Sep. 12, 2008

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12. “What is the Pāli word for letting go or relinquishment? Is this the opposite of upādāna?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Pāli] [Relinquishment] [Clinging] // [Release] [Progress of insight ] [Ajahn Pasanno]

Sutta: MN 37: Sabbe dhammā nālaṃ abhinivesāya–All dhammas are not to be clung to. [Conditionality] [Clinging]

Sutta: SN 46.1: … based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

Sutta: MN 118.21: Ānāpānasati Sutta [Mindfulness of breathing]


Q&A at Sudhana Center – Jul. 12, 2023

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1. “In reference to the fragrance of the flower … There are many roses in the courtyard across the street. … Why do we cultivate beauty? Where does beauty arise from?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Beauty] // [Clinging] [Happiness] [Master Hsuan Hua] [Empathetic joy] [Unconditioned]

Sutta: MN 37: Sabbe dhamma nālaṃ abhinivesāya. (Nothing whatsoever should be clung to.) [Clinging]

Story: Ajahn Pasanno’s mother sends his old letters to Abhayagiri. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Abhayagiri]

Recollection: Ajahn Chah was unshakeable in the midst of all the things that were happening around him and responded warmly and compassionately to the people around him. [Ajahn Chah] [Equanimity] [Compassion] [Family] [Monastic life/Motivation]


Readings from The Island, Session 44 – Mar. 12, 2025

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3. Reflections by Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Pasanno about the Dhamma and Vinaya aspects of dependence. [Dhamma] [Vinaya] [Dependence] // [Middle Path] [Four Noble Truths]

Sutta: Snp 752-753: “There is danger in dependence.” [Clinging]

Quote: “The Dhamma is all about letting go, and the Vinaya is all about holding on. When you figure out how these work together, you’ll be fine.” — Ajahn Chah. Quoted by Ajahn Amaro. [Ajahn Chah] [Ajahn Sumedho] [Relinquishment] [Clinging]