Clinging (upādāna)
Indeterminate qualities / Dependent origination / Clinging 
Part of key topic Dependent Origination
details...
Subsumes: Selfish love (piya)
Alternative translations: Attachment, Grasping, Sustanence, Fuel
Subtags: Sensuality-clinging, View-clinging, Precepts-and-practices clinging, Doctrine-of-self clinging
149 excerpts, 9:58:23 total duration



Metta Retreat, Session 4 – Sep. 12, 2008

Download audio (4:32)
12. “What is the Pali 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 nālaṁ 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: Ānāpānasati Sutta [Mindfulness of breathing]


Q&A at Sudhana Center – Jul. 12, 2023

Download audio (8:01)
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 nalam abhinivesaya. (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

Download audio (2:54)
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]