The causal theory of Buddhism is also known as the Pratitya Samudpaad. According to Gautam Buddha there is some reason behind the existence of any happening in the world. Due to birth, condition of old age and death occurs. Essentially one cause of every occurrence and thing is necessarily present.
Under Buddhism, three sources of this principle have been described :
- It happens when this happens.
- It does not happen if it does not.
- When it is opposed, it is condemned.
The sequence of this causal theory is given as twelve sequence’s which also called Dwadash nidan or ‘Bhava Chakra’. These are : (i) Jaramaran (ii) Caste (iii) Bhava (world) (iv) Upadan (substance), (v) Trishan (crave), (vi) Vedna (pain, pang), (vii) Sparsh (touch), (viii) Shadayatan (conspiracy), (x) NaamRoop (x) Science, (xi) Sacrament, (xii) Ignorance (Aridya).
