Question

Choose the order of Dvādaśāṅga : A. Avidyā B. Nāmarūpam C. Ṣadāyatanam D. Vijñānam E. Saṃskārāḥ Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, E, D, B, C
• B. A, B, C, D, E
• C. E, B, C, D, A
• D. A, E, B, C, D

Hint:

Remember the first five links using the mnemonic: A-S-V-N-S (Avidyā $\rightarrow$ Saṃskāra $\rightarrow$ Vijñāna $\rightarrow$ Nāmarūpa $\rightarrow$ Ṣadāyatana)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The Dvādaśāṅga Pratītyasamutpāda (Twelve-linked chain of Dependent Origination) is one of the most fundamental doctrines of Buddhism. It explains the origin of suffering and the cyclic existence known as Saṃsāra. Each link arises depending upon the previous one, showing that nothing exists independently.

Step 1: Listing the canonical order of the Twelve Links. The traditional sequence of the twelve links is:
• Avidyā -- Ignorance
• Saṃskāra -- Volitional formations
• Vijñāna -- Consciousness
• Nāmarūpa -- Name and form
• Ṣadāyatana -- Six sense bases
• Sparśa -- Contact
• Vedanā -- Feeling
• Tṛṣṇā -- Craving
• Upādāna -- Clinging
• Bhava -- Becoming
• Jāti -- Birth
• Jarāmaraṇa -- Old age and death

Step 2: Identifying the positions of the given terms.
• A. Avidyā = 1st link
• E. Saṃskārāḥ = 2nd link
• D. Vijñānam = 3rd link
• B. Nāmarūpam = 4th link
• C. Ṣadāyatanam = 5th link

Step 3: Arranging them according to the canonical sequence. Thus the order becomes: \[ A \rightarrow E \rightarrow D \rightarrow B \rightarrow C \] Therefore, the correct sequence is: \[ \boxed{A,\ E,\ D,\ B,\ C} \]

Step 4: Understanding the philosophical progression. The sequence explains the gradual unfolding of conditioned existence:
• Ignorance (Avidyā) gives rise to karmic formations.
• Formations condition consciousness.
• Consciousness supports psycho-physical existence.
• Psycho-physical existence develops the six senses. Thus, the chain demonstrates how suffering originates due to dependent conditions.