Abhidharma Kośa Śāstra, Volume IX (Section on the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination)

(1) Original Text: The verse states: Thus, the twelve links of dependent origination are established across three periods: two in the anterior period, two in the posterior period, and eight in the intermediate period, based on completeness. The treatise states: The twelve links are: 1. Ignorance (avidyā), 2. Volitional formations (saṃskāra), 3. Consciousness (vijñāna), 4. Name-and-form (nāmarūpa), 5. Six sense-spheres (ṣaḍāyatana), 6. Contact (sparśa), 7. Feeling (vedanā), 8. Craving (tṛṣṇā), 9. Grasping (upādāna), 10. Becoming (bhava), 11. Birth (jāti), 12. Aging-and-death (jarāmaraṇa). The term "three periods" refers to: 1. Anterior period, 2. Posterior period, 3. Intermediate period, which are the past, future, and present three lives. How are the twelve links established across the three periods? It is said that two links are established in the anterior period, two in the posterior period, and eight in the intermediate period, thus forming twelve. Ignorance and volitional formations belong to the anterior period. Birth and aging-and-death belong to the posterior period. The remaining eight belong to the intermediate period. Are all these eight links of the intermediate period possessed by all sentient beings in this one life? Not all possess them. If so, why is it said that there are eight links based on completeness? Here, the meaning is that a sentient being (pudgala) who passes through all stages is called "complete." It does not refer to those who die young, nor to those in the form realm or formless realm, but only to sentient beings in the desire realm.

Explanation: The twelve links of dependent origination are divided into three periods: the anterior period (past life) has two links—ignorance and volitional formations; the intermediate period (present life) has eight links—consciousness, name-and-form, six sense-spheres, contact, feeling, craving, grasping, and becoming; the posterior period (future life) has two links—birth and aging-and-death. How are the twelve links distinguished such that there are two in the anterior period, two in the posterior period, and eight in the intermediate period, making twelve in total? Ignorance and volitional formations belong to the anterior period; birth and aging-and-death belong to the posterior period; the remaining eight belong to the intermediate period. Are the eight links of the intermediate period possessed by all sentient beings in one lifetime? Not all possess them. If so, for what reason is it said that having eight links proves the completeness of the aggregates (skandhas)? This means that the aggregates are considered complete only when they have passed through all stages; it does not refer to the aggregates of those who die young, nor to those in the form realm or formless realm, but only states that for sentient beings in the desire realm, having eight links signifies completeness.

Original Text: The Mahānidāna Sūtra states that they are possessed; therefore, it is said thus. The Buddha told Ānanda: "If consciousness does not enter the womb, can name-and-form grow and expand?" "No, World-Honored One." And so it is extensively explained. Sometimes only two divisions of dependent origination are spoken of: 1. That included in the anterior period, 2. That included in the posterior period. The first seven links are included in the anterior period, meaning from ignorance up to feeling. The last five links are included in the posterior period, meaning from craving to aging-and-death. This is because the causes and effects of the anterior and posterior periods are encompassed by these two divisions.

Explanation: The Mahānidāna Sūtra states that all eight links are possessed, hence it is said to be complete. The Buddha told Ānanda: "If the ālaya-vijñāna (storehouse consciousness) does not enter the womb, can name-and-form grow and expand?" Ānanda replied that it cannot. Then the reasons are explained extensively. Sometimes only two divisions of dependent origination are spoken of: one is that included in the anterior period, the second is that included in the posterior period. The first seven links are included in the anterior period, from ignorance up to feeling. The last five links are included in the posterior period, from craving to aging-and-death. This is because the causes and effects of the anterior and posterior periods are encompassed by these two divisions.

Original Text: What is the essence (svabhāva) of the links such as ignorance? The verse states: Past delusion is called ignorance. Past karmas are called volitional formations. Consciousness is that which properly links to the birth-aggregates. Before the six sense-spheres is name-and-form. From it arise the eye and other faculties. Before the coming together of the three [i.e., sense faculty, object, and consciousness] is the six sense-spheres. Due to different causes for the three feelings, [the link] not yet understood is called contact. Before lustful craving is feeling. Greed for resources and lustful craving, for the sake of obtaining all objects, roaming about seeking is called grasping. "Becoming" refers to the karma that is truly capable of creating and drawing forth the fruit of a future existence. The linking to a future existence is called birth. Proceeding to experience aging-and-death in that future existence.

Explanation: What dharmas constitute the essence of the links such as ignorance? A verse states: Delusion from past lives is called ignorance. All karmic actions from past lives are called volitional formations. The activity of the six consciousnesses gives rise to the aggregates of the future life. The link before the six sense-spheres is name-and-form. From name-and-form arise the five faculties: eye, ear, nose, tongue, and body. The link before the coming together of the three (sense faculty, object, and consciousness) is the six sense-spheres. The causes for the arising of feeling differ, hence feeling is divided into three types. The link before understanding is contact. The link before the arising of lustful craving is feeling. Due to greed arises lustful craving. For the sake of obtaining all objective realms, the pervasive roaming about seeking is called grasping. Existence in the three realms is the presently creating aggregates; flowing with karma brings karmic fruition. The linking to future existence is called birth. Finally, aging-and-death will be experienced.