Dependent Origination: The Buddha’s Middle Way Causal Theory [A Translation and Study of the Nidāna Saṃyutta Discourses 1-30] Unlock the profound wisdom of the Buddha's most foundational teaching: Dependent Origination—the precise causal architecture of existence, suffering, and liberation. In this groundbreaking volume, Dr. G. A. Somaratne, a scholar of early Buddhism and Pāli textual studies, presents the first thirty discourses of the Nidāna Saṃyutta through a unique phenomenological lens. Moving beyond abstract philosophy, this work reveals Dependent Origination as the Buddha’s verifiable “Middle Way Causal Theory—a direct, experiential map for understanding your “my world” and the path to its utter cessation. What makes this study indispensable? The Buddha’s own method was one of rigorous analysis and profound synthesis . He meticulously dissected the components of experience while simultaneously revealing their dynamic, interconnected causality. This book guides readers through this process, showing how the Buddha’s teachings: Deconstruct Extreme Views : Witness how Dependent Origination systematically dismantles the metaphysical traps of eternalism and annihilationism by exposing their roots in craving for existence or non-existence. - Unveil the Causal Architecture of Suffering : Explore the intricate links of the twelve-factor formula, presented with a dual focus on its cosmological implications across lifetimes and its phenomenological unfolding in the moment-to-moment arising of experience. Learn to recognise each link as a “subjective configuration” that sustains your conditioned reality. - Illuminate the Nature of Sustenance : Delve into the profound teaching of the Four Nutriments, revealing how experience is actively “fuelled.” This provides a practical framework for identifying and ceasing the intake of this fuel, directly starving the process of becoming and suffering. - Establish Right View : Understand why Dependent Origination is the very embodiment of Right View, providing an unshakable foundation for insight and practice. - Empower the Path of Unravelling : Discover the active, transformative journey of liberation, where disenchantment and dispassion are applied to each causal link, dismantling the chain of suffering and leading to the “pacification of all subjective configurations.” - Redefine Spiritual Authority : Realize that authentic spiritual achievement is rooted not in external factors, but in the complete, verifiable understanding of Dependent Origination itself. This volume offers deep and multifaceted engagement: Each discourse is meticulously presented with: An introductory analysis, highlighting key terms and connecting themes within the phenomenological framework. - A precise English translation that balances scholarly accuracy with readable clarity. - The original Pāli text, allowing scholars, students, and practitioners to engage directly with the source language and participate in the ancient oral tradition. About the Author: G. A. Somaratne (MA & PhD, Northwestern) is a leading scholar of early Buddhism and Pali textual studies. His esteemed career includes roles as Professor at the University of Peradeniya, and Associate Professor at The University of Hong Kong and Miyazaki International College. He also served as Rector of Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy and Co-director of Dhammachai Tipitaka Project. His extensive publications, including The Buddha’s Teaching: A Buddhistic Analysis and An Introduction to Buddhist Soteriology , reflect his commitment to illuminating the Buddha’s original teachings. Embark on this profound journey into the core of Buddhist wisdom. Gain transformative insight into the architecture of suffering and the clear pathway to its utter cessation. Order your copy today.