Ignorance
Not seeing experience and action clearly conditions the rest of the teaching sequence.
Link 1 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Learn · Twelve conditioned links
Dependent origination
The twelve-link formulation is presented as a doctrinal and contemplative map. It is not offered as a complete scientific model of mind, life or causation.
Illustrative teaching sequence
Lineages interpret temporal and psychological dimensions differently. The feeling-tone panel identifies a practice point without claiming that one click literally breaks causation.
Volitional formations
Conditioned intentions and habits shape further experience.
Link 2 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Consciousness
Awareness is presented here as dependently arisen, not an isolated permanent substance.
Link 3 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Name and form
Mental and bodily processes are described in mutual dependence.
Link 4 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Six sense bases
Eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind establish fields of contact.
Link 5 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Contact
Sense organ, object, and corresponding consciousness meet.
Link 6 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Feeling tone
Pleasant, painful, or neutral tone is a practical point for noticing before automatic grasping. This is a contemplative teaching, not a complete scientific causal model.
Link 7 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Craving
The movement toward, away from, or past experience intensifies when unseen.
Link 8 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Clinging
Craving is consolidated through holding to views, habits, identity, or gratification.
Link 9 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Becoming
Patterns acquire momentum and organise possible action.
Link 10 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Birth
A new conditioned state or life is described as arising within the sequence.
Link 11 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.
Ageing and death
What arises changes and ends; grief and distress are included in the traditional formulation.
Link 12 of twelve, Dharma Path editorial summary.