Dependent origination

What it is: Dependent origination teaches that phenomena and experiences arise in dependence on causes and conditions, without isolated and independent existence.

How the tradition understands it: This principle explains the chain of suffering, rebirth, and mental formations. It also serves as a basis for many later reflections on interdependence and emptiness.

Textual basis and context: It is one of the most fundamental teachings of early Buddhism and appears in classical formulas tied to the twelve links of the conditioned chain.

Debates and variations: Different schools emphasize psychological, metaphysical, or phenomenological dimensions of this principle.

Supportive

Mulamadhyamakakarika 24.18

buddhism,nagarjuna,emptiness,madhyamaka

A celebrated verse of Nagarjuna on emptiness and dependent origination.

Reference: Nāgārjuna, Mūlamadhyamakakārikā 24.18.
Content: The verse directly relates emptiness and dependent origination.
Use in debate: It is decisive for Madhyamaka philosophy and for sophisticated readings of shunyata.

Paticca-samuppada-vibhanga Sutta

buddhism,dependent-origination,causality,sutta

A classical discourse on dependent origination.

Reference: Saṃyutta Nikāya 12.2.
Content: The text explains the conditioned arising of suffering and existential continuity through the links of dependence.
Use in debate: It is a key source for dependent origination.

Udana 1.1

buddhism,dependent-origination,interdependence

A brief formula on conditioned arising.

Reference: Udana 1.1 and related formulas.
Content: The teaching summarizes the principle that, when this exists, that arises; when this ceases, that ceases.
Use in debate: It is a classical summary of Buddhist conditionality.