Contemplation of the Twelve Links | There Is No Suffering

To contemplate these twelve links, one uses the method of contemplating causes and conditions. This is closely connected to the four noble truths of Buddhism: the existence of suffering, the cause of suffering, ending suffering, and the path out of suffering. The twelve links of conditioned arising are in fact, suffering. Not realizing the true nature and relationship of the twelve links is the cause of suffering. The realization of the un-arising nature of the twelve links is cessation of suffering. Contemplation of the twelve links is a path to the cessation of suffering.

In the agamas30 it is written, “This arises; hence that arises.” This means that our afflictions lead us to create karma; and once we create karma, we must suffer the consequences of karma. As we do so, we become vexed and create more karma, and so the cycle continues. This is called the transmigration of birth and death, which is the twelve links of conditioned arising.

In the agamas it is also written, “This perishes; hence that perishes.” This, too refers to affliction. When there is no affliction, or klesa, one does not create karma. When one does not create karma, there are no consequences, and without consequences, one has no affliction. Therefore, the cycle will be broken; one will transcend samsara and the transmigration of birth and death.

Fundamental ignorance, the first link, is the basis of all afflictions— it is the basic confusion as to how things are and operate.

Due to this fundamental confusion, all kinds of afflictive emotions arise within us. Ordinarily, people do not think of cutting off the root afflictions. They only think of getting rid of their current sufferings and misfortunes. They do not want the suffering, but they ignore the afflictions—greed, aversion, and delusion-that create the problems in the first place.

Buddhadharma speaks of cause and consequence. To avoid dire consequences, one must not create their causes in the first place. Therefore, correct contemplation begins with understanding cause before proceeding to consequence. Start with contemplating the root cause, fundamental ignorance, because it is the basis of all emotional afflictions. To break up a gang of thieves, catch the leader. After that, it is easy to deal with the followers. Likewise, if you truly understand fundamental ignorance, it is easier to deal with other afflictions.

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