Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) is the most penetrative, insightful and yet fundamental doctrine of the Buddha which he contrived at the eve of his Enlightenment. This research brings to the light more comprehensive understanding of the Buddha’s pivotal teachings on Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) from the perspective of scholarly viewpoints.

            This qualitative research is an attempt to study the Doctrine of Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) from various schools of Buddhist thought; delineate psychological viewpoints; explore the psychoanalysis of consciousness (viññāṇa) and provide interpretation as it applies to afflictive states of mind. Mainstream sources regarding the Doctrine of Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) are gathered from both Pāli and Sanskrit canonical and commentarial scriptures, along with a compilation of doctrinal exposition from remarkable scholarly works, such as Nāgārjūna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā and Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga. Meticulous research into this research hinges on three broad directions, namely, (i) an analysis of the doctrine of Dependent Origination from various schools of Buddhist thought, (ii) a psychoanalysis of consciousness (viññāṇa) within the doctrine of Dependent Origination, and (iii) an application of Dependent Origination and an interpretation of afflictive states of mind. This qualitative research is also synthesized through data analysis and interviews with gathered information from scholars and practitioners, viz. Bhikkhu Bodhi; Professor Dr. Kapila Abhyavamsa; Prof. Dr. M.W. Padmasiri De Silva; and Eunice E. Cerezo. This research delves into understand the active role of consciousness (viññāṇa) in clarifying its psychological correlation within the twelvefold links of the doctrine of Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) and further explores classical practices such as mindfulness, wise investigation, lovingkindness and compassion, in induce a curative recovery while vanquishing the afflictive state of mind.

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