Jati (Buddhist)

Jati (birth, arising) is the Eleventh Link of Dependent Origination in Buddhist philosophy.

Overview

Jati (Pali jati, Sanskrit jati) means “birth” or “arising” — the coming into existence of a being in a particular realm of rebirth. In the twelve links of dependent origination, jati arises from becoming (bhava) and leads to aging and death (jaramarana). It is the moment when a new life begins, determined by past karma and mental formations.

Philosophical Context

The Samyutta Nikaya defines jati as “the arising of the aggregates (khandha) in the various realms of existence.” It is not merely physical birth but the arising of the five aggregates that constitute a being. The Abhidharma classifies jati into three types based on the realm of rebirth: cammaja (born from an egg), jarayuja (born from a womb), samsedaja (born from moisture), and opapatika (spontaneous birth). Jati is conditioned by becoming (bhava) and is itself a condition for aging and death.

Interpretations

In Theravada Buddhism, jati is analyzed as a momentary event — the arising of a new existence in a single moment of consciousness. In Mahayana Buddhism, jati is understood as empty of inherent existence — birth is a conventional designation for a process that has no ultimate reality. The bodhisattva takes rebirth voluntarily out of compassion, while the ordinary being is reborn involuntarily due to karma.

Verification Notes

• Samyutta Nikaya 12.2 on the twelve links of dependent origination.
• Abhidhammattha Sangaha on the types of birth.
• Buddhaghosa, Visuddhimagga XVII on jati.
• Audited against Wikipedia and Buddhist philosophy references (September 2026).