Twelve Links of Dependent Origination

Traditionally, Dependent Origination is explained using twelve causal factors/links to account for the arising (or the cessation) of suffering. It is a very important concept in Buddhism. Yet, I have never seen any discussion about it in any of Facebook’s Buddhist groups. In addition, I have not seen the twelve links discussed in any of the introduction to Buddhism books I have come across. As a modern Buddhist educator, I would like to take this opportunity to share the main ideas underlying these twelve links and discuss some of the controversies.

First, let us make a list of what the twelve links are:

1. Ignorance (Avidya)

2. Volitional Action (Sankhara)

3. Consciousness (Vinnana)

4. Name and Form (Nama-rupa)

5. Six Senses (Salayatana)

6. Sense Impressions (Phassa; also called Contact)

7. Feelings (Vedana: Pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral)

8. Desire or Craving (Tanha or Trishna)

9. Attachment (Upadana)

10. Becoming (Bhava)

11. Birth (Jati)

12. Old Age and Death (Jaramarana)