This article explores how gaslighting, a manipulative tactic in which an individual distorts reality to cause another person to doubt their perceptions, fits into the framework of the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination. The Twelve Nidanas, a central concept in Buddhist philosophy, outlines twelve links that are interdependent and give rise to suffering. By examining how gaslighting fits into this framework, individuals can gain insight into the cycle of self-doubt and distorted beliefs that can arise from this manipulation tactic and learn strategies for breaking this cycle.

The first link in the Twelve Nidanas is Ignorance (avijja). In the case of gaslighting, this ignorance refers to a lack of understanding about how others can manipulate and distort reality, causing confusion and self-doubt. This lack of awareness makes individuals vulnerable to gaslighting, as they are not aware that someone may be intentionally manipulating them.

The second link is Mental Formations (sankhara). Due to ignorance, the person being gaslit has developed habitual patterns of self-doubt and confusion. They have learned to doubt their own perceptions of reality and rely heavily on the perceptions and opinions of others. This leads to a state of mind that is easily manipulated by the gaslighter.

Consciousness (viññana) is the third link in the Twelve Nidanas. This refers to the state of consciousness that is conditioned by mental formations. In the case of gaslighting, the individuals previous experiences and conditioning have conditioned them to be easily manipulated by the gaslighter.

The fourth link is Name and Form (nama-rupa), which refers to the individuals body and mind (psychophysical constituents). In the case of gaslighting, an individuals mental and physical makeup has been influenced by past experiences and conditioning, leaving them vulnerable to gaslighting.

The fifth link refers to the Six Sense Bases (salayatana), which refers to an individuals sense organs (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind) interacting with the external world. Gaslighting occurs when an individual encounters a situation where they are being manipulated, causing their sense bases to perceive faulty information.

Contact (phassa) is the sixth link in the Twelve Nidanas. When an individual is being gaslit, they are exposed to information that contradicts their perceptions of reality. This leads to a feeling (vedana) of confusion, frustration, and anxiety as they try to make sense of the gaslighters manipulation.

Craving (tanha), the seventh link, refers to the individuals desire to understand the situation and to have their own perspective validated. They want to regain a sense of certainty and validation that has been taken away from them.

Clinging (upadana), the eighth link, occurs when the individual becomes attached to their own perception of the truth, leading them to question their own perceptions and judgement while depending on the gaslighter. They become overly reliant on the opinions of others and struggle to trust their own perceptions.

Becoming (bhava), the ninth link, occurs when this clinging reinforces the individuals habitual patterns and karmic tendencies of self-doubt and confusion, leading to further vulnerability to gaslighting in the future.

Birth (jati), the tenth link, refers to the individuals vulnerability to gaslighting manifesting in the form of distorted beliefs and perceptions of reality. They are left with a distorted perception of reality and continue to struggle with self-doubt and confusion due to their experiences of being gaslit.

Old age and death (jara-marana), the eleventh and twelfth links, respectively, refer to the individuals ongoing exposure to gaslighting leading to physical, mental, and emotional suffering and perpetuating negative consequences in their life. They may continue to struggle with self-doubt and confusion, leading to anxiety and stress in their daily life.

To break the cycle of gaslighting, individuals can use practices such as mindfulness meditation, emotional regulation techniques, affirmative self-talk, and positive affirmations. It is also essential to seek external support and challenge distorted beliefs and perceptions of reality that have arisen due to past experiences of being gaslit.