The Tree of Enlightenment

to three dimensions: time, space, and karma. For instance, the
table is dependent in terms of time in the sense that, prior to the
table existing, a series of events occurred – the cutting of lumber,
the construction of the table, and so forth. is sequence of
events led to the arising of the table. Similarly, the table is dependent
in terms of space in the sense that it stands on the floor, and
so forth. e third dimension of conditionality operates beyond
time and space. is dimension is explained by karma, because
karma has its effects depending on time and space, yet it is not
directly apparent in time and space. Because of karma, an action
done at a very distant point in time and space can have its effects
here and now. Conditionality is therefore not only temporal and
spatial, but also has a karmic dimension.
Let us take two examples to establish more firmly what we
mean by the analytical approach and the relational approach.
Take a chariot, which is a phenomenon, an identifiable entity.
We apply the analytical approach to the chariot by breaking it
down into its component parts: the wheels, axle, body, shaft, and
so forth. Application of the synthetic method looks at the same
chariot in terms of the lumber that goes to it, the action of the
builders who put it together, and so forth. Alternatively, we can
take the classical examples of the flame in an oil lamp, which
exists dependent on the oil and the wick, and the sprout, which
depends on a seed, soil, sunlight, and so forth.
e analytical and the relational methods together yield the
ultimate picture of things as they really are. ey yield this ultimate
picture through careful investigation. We use the analytical
method to break things up into the component parts of an
apparent whole; then we use the relational method to show that
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