Dependent Origination

Dependent Origination (Pali: Paticcasamuppada) is the Buddhist doctrine that all phenomena arise in dependence upon causes and conditions.

Overview

Dependent origination explains how suffering arises through a chain of twelve links, from ignorance to aging and death. It is the core of Buddhist philosophy.

Philosophical Context

Dependent origination is considered the most profound teaching of the Buddha. It avoids both eternalism and nihilism by explaining how phenomena exist relationally.

Interpretations

The twelve links describe how ignorance leads to volitional formations, which lead to consciousness, and so on through birth, aging, and death. Understanding this chain leads to liberation.

Verification Notes

• Core Buddhist doctrine of causation
• Twelve links explain the arising of suffering
• Avoids eternalism and nihilism