Dependent Origination and Nature of Salvation from Reincarnation in Early Buddhism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student in Religious Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran,

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Eastern Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran,

Abstract

The theory of "dependent origination", also known as "conditional arising" or "causal chain", is one of the basic ontological principles in the sacred texts of early Buddhism, which explains the nature of reincarnation or samsara in this religion. The conformity of some of the constituent circles of the theory of dependent origination with the five constituent parts of human existence in Buddhist teachings led researchers to explain the process of samsara in this religion by the reconciliation between these two theories. Sometimes the meaning of dependent origination is considered the general law of cause and effect in the world, and sometimes its meaning is only limited to the factors and elements that make up the cycle of samsara. In this article, after introducing this doctrine, we adapt the shape of the twelve circles of this doctrine to the five parts of the attachment of human existence from the perspective of Buddhism. Finally, we dispute the generality of this principle and limit its meaning in Buddhism to simple practical and moral advice that does not apply to the real world. Moreover, we will state that the element of "awareness" is the most important and mysterious part of the chain of samsara, which is perfected through direct knowledge (metacognition) and spiritual training, and finally, breaks the cycle of samsara and saves a person.

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References

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Religious Research
Volume 10, Issue 19
July 2022
Pages 236-259

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