Dependent origination

Dependent origination is a fundamental Buddhist concept explaining how everything arises through interconnected causes and conditions. It teaches that nothing exists or occurs independently; instead, events, feelings, and existence itself are the result of a web of prior factors. For example, a plant grows because of soil, water, sunlight, and seed placement—all conditions coming together. Understanding this interconnectedness encourages mindfulness of how our actions and circumstances shape our experiences, highlighting the transient and interdependent nature of reality. It helps explain the cycle of suffering and the path toward liberation by recognizing these interconnected causes.