[227] Suppose, Ānanda, there were a great tree; whatever roots it has that go downwards and whatever go across, all of them convey the sap upwards. Indeed, Ānanda, sustained by that nutriment, fueled by that, the great tree would stand for a long time, for a long stretch of time. In just the same way, Ānanda, for one who dwells contemplating gratification (assāda) in things that can be clung to (upādāniyā dhammā), craving (taṇhā) increases. With craving (taṇhā) as condition, clinging (upādāna) [comes to be]; with clinging as condition, existence (bhava) … Thus is the origin of this whole mass of suffering (dukkha).
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.