The Chain of Causation

028. CAUSATION

“The 12-linked chain of causation represents the different states of mind and heart produced by the Three Fires of desire, anger and delusion (see entry 30). These passions, which are actually impersonal, can carry us away because of our attachment and the delusion of ‘I’. This leads ultimately to suffering, and to rebirth. The Three Signs of Being – suffering, impermanence and not-I (see entry 31) – express this. But no state, however painful or pleasant, is permanent. It has no essence and is unsatisfactory because it changes. Through practice, we can attain true release from suffering in nirvana, the unconditioned state, where there is no longer a ‘self’ to cling or to suffer, or to be carried away. The Buddha taught that these universal laws are impersonal and neutral.”

THE MIDDLE WAY

(JOURNAL OF THE BUDDHIST SOCIETY)

029. THE 12-LINKED CHAIN

The Wheel of Life illustrates the six realms of existence, the way in which sentient beings are locked into endless cycles. The picture shows all possible forms of life. The six sections represent the six realms of rebirth referred to in The Tibetan Book of the Dead. The wheel’s rim has 12 small images, symbolizing the 12-linked chain of causation. Grasping the wheel is Yama, the Lord of Death. Terminating the cycle of rebirth is the ultimate goal and Yama, as the transformer, embodies impermanence in that process.

030. THE THREE FIRES

Desire, anger and delusion are negative forces, but they also represent the energy and majesty of the Buddha-nature in its elemental state. The practice of Buddhism is concerned with becoming aware of these passions and calming them until they are transformed into joy, warmth, generosity, energy and wisdom. Once familiar with these forces, we can work with and transform them.

031. THE THREE SIGNS OF BEING

The Buddha said that every living thing has three shared characteristics: suffering (dukkha), impermanence (anicca), and not-I, or the absence of self or a soul (anatta) (see pages 36–37).

032. STATES AND REALMS

The six divisions of the Wheel of Life represent the different states of being in samsara, the world of rebirth. Clockwise from top are: the Heavenly Realms, the Fighting Demons and the Hungry Ghosts. At the bottom are the Hells. Left of this is the Realm of Animals. Finally, top left is the Human Realm. Only from here is liberation possible.

033. THE MIDDLE OF THE WHEEL

The dynamic heart of the wheel of life shows a snake, a cockerel and a pig, who are either eating each other or vomiting each other up. These animals represent hatred, greed and ignorance respectively.