Dependent Origination
Buddhist teaching that all phenomena arise in dependence on conditions. Nothing exists independently; everything is interconnected in causal networks. The twelve links of dependent origination explain how ignorance leads to suffering through chain of causation. Breaking any link interrupts the cycle. Dependent origination explains rebirth, karma, and suffering without requiring permanent soul. The concept supports emptiness—since everything depends on conditions, nothing has fixed essence. Understanding dependent origination reveals possibility of liberation by changing conditions.
Your Reaction
Similar Philosophical Concept
Emptiness
Buddhist concept that all phenomena lack inherent existence or fixed essence. Emptiness (Sanskrit: śūnyatā) doesn't …
Emergence
Phenomenon where complex systems exhibit properties not present in components. Strong emergence: higher-level properties are …
Karma
Hindu and Buddhist concept of moral cause and effect. Actions create consequences extending beyond current …
Samsara
Hindu and Buddhist concept of the cycle of death and rebirth. Beings are reborn according …
Nirvana
Buddhist concept of the cessation of suffering and liberation from samsara. Nirvana literally means blowing …
Dharma
Hindu and Buddhist concept of cosmic order and individual duty. In Hinduism, dharma includes cosmic …
Maya
Hindu and Buddhist concept of the illusory nature of phenomenal reality. Maya literally means magic …
Zen
School of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing direct insight over scripture. Zen arose in China (Chan) and …
Explore Related Domains
Discover connections across different types of entities
Buddha
Indian spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism, teaching the path to liberation from suffering. Buddha's Four …
Buddha
Prince who renounced wealth to seek enlightenment, founding Buddhism. Buddha's discovery of the Middle Way …
The Origin of Species
Darwin's revolutionary work establishes the theory of evolution through natural selection, fundamentally changing our understanding …
Søren Kierkegaard
Danish philosopher and theologian regarded as the father of existentialism. Kierkegaard explored the individual's relationship …
Søren Kierkegaard
Danish philosopher and theologian regarded as the father of existentialism. Kierkegaard explored the individual's relationship …
Lao Tzu
Ancient Chinese philosopher traditionally credited with writing the Tao Te Ching, foundational text of Taoism. …
The Art of Happiness
The Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Cutler explore Buddhist principles for achieving happiness. Through compassion, mindfulness, …
The Denial of Death
Becker's Pulitzer Prize-winning work synthesizes psychology, philosophy, and anthropology to argue that the fear of …
Critique of Pure Reason
Kant's foundational work establishes limits of human knowledge and synthetic a priori judgments. Through transcendental …
Buddha on thought and being
Buddha on thought and being