Upadana

Upadana — meaning, origin and common depictions in Buddhist art and ritual, explained with concise examples.

The Sanskrit word Upadana has the following meanings:

Buddhism

Upadana translated from Sanskrit means clinging or grasping and refers to the ninth link in the twelve-linked chain of Dependent Origination (Pratitya-samutpada).

Upadana and Trsna are seen as the two primary causes of suffering (Dukkha) in Samsara.

Upadana (Clinging) is dependent on Trsna (Craving) as a condition before it can exist.

“With Craving as condition, Clinging arises”.

Upadana (Clinging) is also the prevailing condition for the next condition in the chain, Becoming (Bhavana).

“With Clinging as condition, Becoming arises.”

Hinduism

Upadana means material basis or cause.