The Law of Dependent Origination

The Buddhist law of dependent origination is the logical integration of the first two seals of the Law. In simple terms, dependent origination means that every effect has a definite cause and every cause a definite effect. Nothing comes into being by accident. Actions do not occur in a haphazard fashion. Only when certain causes and conditions are present can a particular effect or result be achieved. This is by no means to imply an all-encompassing first cause like divine will or a foreordained plan for life. Causes and conditions vary in infinite ways to generate infinite kinds of results. But for any fixed set of causes and conditions, the result, too, is fixed.

Basic Buddhist Concepts