Dependent Origination

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The Wheel of Existence

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Dependent origination is a most profound,

Cherished treasure among Buddha’s teachings.

Whoever understands it correctly

Sees the Dharma and sees the Tathāgata.

Texts on the subject of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda; rten cing 'brel bar 'byung ba) or interdependent arising:

Advice

Teaching on the Essence of Dependent Origination by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Verses of advice spoken in response to a request from a mother and child to explain the essence of dependent origination.

Dhāraṇī

The Noble Essence of Dependent Origination from the Words of the Buddha

This short text, which appears twice in the Derge Kangyur (Toh 521 & 981), includes the formula of dependent origination, the so-called ye dharma, said to have been told to Śāriputra as an encapsulation of Buddha Śākyamuni's teachings.

General

Dependent Arising by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang

This brief text draws on the oral tradition of Patrul Rinpoche to explain three categories of dependent arising found in Longchen Rabjam's Great Chariot: 1) the dependent arising of the fundamental character (gshis) or ground (gzhi) of reality, 2) the dependent arising of saṃsāra, and (3) the dependent arising of nirvāṇa.

Twelve Links

Commentary on Nāgārjuna's Verses on the Essence of Dependent Origination by Jamyang Loter Wangpo

In this short annotation commentary, Loter Wangpo explains the nature and subdivisions of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) and identifies the somewhat cryptic numerical references in Nāgārjuna's verses.

Commentary on the Noble Essence of the Dharmadhātu by Nāgārjuna

This short text attributed to Nāgārjuna, which appears in the Abhidharma section of the Tengyur (Toh 4101), is a commentary on the so-called ye dharma formula of dependent origination.

Verses on the Heart of Dependent Origination by Nāgārjuna

In this short text, called Pratītyasamutpādahṛdaya in Sanskrit, Nāgārjuna explains the heart or 'essence' (hṛdaya) of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) in just seven stanzas. He shows how the twelve links of dependent origination can be further condensed into the three categories of afflictions (kleśa), karma and suffering, and how all phenomena, being interdependent, are empty of true existence.

Related Topics

Abhidharma Series

Emptiness Series

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