This article explores the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination in the context of a persons inability to express their emotions. Using the example of emotional repression, it illustrates how the twelve links in the chain of dependent origination arise and perpetuate emotional blockages. Understanding the dependent origination of emotional repression can help cultivate mindfulness and work towards breaking the cycle of negative emotional patterns.

The first link in dependent origination is ignorance (avijja). In the case of emotional repression, the person lacks an understanding of the true nature of emotions and may have been conditioned to believe that it is not safe or acceptable to express them. Mental formations (sankhara) then arise as a result of this ignorance, leading to habitual patterns of suppressing or denying emotions.

Consciousness (viññana) is conditioned by these mental formations, making the person prone to feeling emotionally repressed. Name and form (nama-rupa) refers to the physical and mental makeup of the person, which can contribute to their inability to express emotions effectively.

The six sense bases (salayatana) refer to the persons sense organs, such as seeing or hearing, which interact with the external world, including emotional stimuli. The next link, contact (phassa), occurs when the person encounters emotional stimuli that trigger an emotional response, but they are unable to effectively process and express these emotions (feeling-vedana).

This may result in a sense of frustration, sadness, or internal conflict. Craving (tanha) may then arise, as the person desires to be able to express their emotions more effectively. Clinging (upadana) to their emotional blockages may intensify, leading to further blockages and negative feelings.

Becoming (bhava) is the continuation of habitual patterns and karmic tendencies that reinforce emotional repression, while birth (jati) refers to the difficulties the person experiences in their relationships with others due to their inability to express their emotions effectively.

If left unaddressed, the person may suffer physical, mental, and emotional difficulties, perpetuating negative consequences in future situations or even future lives (old age and death-jara-marana).

To break the cycle of dependent origination at each point, a person can cultivate self-awareness and understanding of the true nature of emotions. They can recondition their habitual patterns through therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-reflection. They can develop healthier ways of processing emotional stimuli, such as through journaling or talking to someone they trust. They can cultivate gratitude and contentment with their current emotional state, reducing their attachment to craving more or different emotions.

By addressing the causes and conditions of emotional repression, a person can improve their relationships with others and cultivate greater emotional fulfillment in their life.