Dependent origination

Question 1

Dependent origination defintion

Answer 1

It’s the Buddhist law of causality. It’s the idea that everything has a cause and that nothing has been created out of nothing.

Question 2

Peter Harvey

Answer 2

1. Peter Harvey argues that moral prescriptions only apply to those who are ready for them. This makes it inaccessible for a lot of Buddhists.
2. However, it’s on the Bhavachakra depicted in images making it easier to understand.

Question 3

Understand

Answer 3

It is key to understanding arising and therefore dependent origination. This is persuasive as Buddhists need to understand this to reach enlightenment.

Question 4

Sunyata

Answer 4

Links to sunyata for Mahayana Buddhists which is a key teaching.

Question 5

Analogy of the lamp

Answer 5

King Milinda asks Nagasena about a lamp. In the same way it’s a different flame/wick its the same lamp it’s the same person. Shows how dependent origination works.