A Critique of Joanna Jurewicz’s Interpretation of the Twelve-Link Model of Dependent Origination

Joanna Jurewicz’s influential interpretation of the twelve-link model of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) posits that it represents a deliberate polemic or parody of Vedic cosmological myths, where the Buddha repurposed Vedic ritual elements — such as those in the agnihotra fire sacrifice — to illustrate the cycle of suffering in a subversive way. While this view, popularized by scholars like Richard Gombrich, offers an intriguing historical lens, it faces several significant challenges when examined against textual evidence, scholarly consensus, and the broader character of Buddhist doctrine. Below, I outline key points of critique.

Evidence of Evolutionary Development in Dependent Origination Models

A fundamental issue with Jurewicz’s approach is its implication that the twelve-link chain was a fully formed, intentional construct from the outset, designed as a direct response to Vedic thought. However, historical and textual analysis reveal that dependent origination likely evolved over time, with variations in the number of links appearing across early Buddhist scriptures. For instance, shorter models exist, such as those with five or six links, which focus on core elements like ignorance, formations…