Pratītyasamutpāda, commonly translated as dependent origination, or dependent arising, is a key doctrine in Buddhism shared by all schools of Buddhism. It states that all dharmas (phenomena) arise in dependence upon other dharmas: "if this exists, that exists; if this ceases to exist, that also ceases to exist". The basic principle is that all things arise in dependence upon other things.
Brick inscribed with the Sutra on Dependent Origination. Found in Gopalpur, Gorakhpur District, Uttar Pradesh. Dated c. 500 CE, Gupta period. Ashmolean Museum.
A circular schema of the 12 nidanas as understood in Theravada Buddhist scholasticism
In Tibetan Buddhism, the 12 nidanas are typically shown on the outer rim of a wheel of existence. This is a common genre of art found in Tibetan temples and monasteries. The three poisons (greed, hatred and delusion) sit at the very center of wheel.
Buddhism, also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over 520 million followers, known as Buddhists, who comprise seven percent of the global population. Buddhism originated in the eastern Gangetic plain as a śramaṇa–movement in the 5th century BCE, and gradually spread throughout much of Asia via the Silk Road.
Mayadevi Temple marking the Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini
Enlightenment of Buddha, Kushan dynasty, late 2nd to early 3rd century CE, Gandhara
The Buddha teaching the Four Noble Truths. Sanskrit manuscript. Nalanda, Bihar, India
Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Thangka depicting the Wheel of Life with its six realms
