pratityasumutpada/The Twelve Links

* journal philosophy
[2025-10-26 Sun]

1. All phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena

1.1. Core Principles

  • Nothing exists in isolation–all things are interconnected
  • "If this exists, that exists; if this ceases to exist, that also ceases to exist". This is the key formula of dependent origination
  • Understanding dependent origination is crucial for cutting through suffering and achieving spiritual awakening

2. The Twelve Links

The twelve links describe the cycle of suffering and rebirth, with each link depending on the previous one to arise

  1. Ignorance
  2. Mental formations: (karmic actions)
  3. Consciousness
  4. Name and form: (mind and body)
  5. Six sense organs
  6. Contact: (between sense organ and object)
  7. Sensation
  8. Craving
  9. Clinging
  10. Existence: (becoming)
  11. Birth
  12. Aging and death

3. Elsewhere

3.1. References

Recent changes. Attachment Index Tag Index Bibliography Index Source.