Lets use the example of manipulation to illustrate the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination.
1. Ignorance (avijja): The manipulator lacks understanding of the true nature of reality, including the interconnectedness of all things and the impermanence of phenomena.
2. Mental formations (sankhara): Due to ignorance, the manipulator has formed habitual patterns of controlling and deceiving others for their own benefit.
3. Consciousness (viññana): The manipulators consciousness is conditioned by these mental formations, leading them to view others as objects to be manipulated rather than as fellow beings.
4. Name and form (nama-rupa): The manipulators body and mind (psychophysical constituents) manifest in a way that is conducive to manipulative behavior.
5. The six sense bases (salayatana): The manipulators sense organs (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind) interact with their environment, seeking out opportunities to manipulate others.
6. Contact (phassa): The manipulator encounters a person or situation that they can exploit for their own gain.
7. Feeling (vedana): The manipulator experiences the pleasure of successful manipulation or the fear of failure and exposure.
8. Craving (tanha): The manipulator develops a strong desire to continue manipulating others and avoiding the negative consequences of their actions.
9. Clinging (upadana): The manipulator becomes attached to their manipulative behavior, intensifying their craving and leading to further manipulation.
10. Becoming (bhava): This clinging to manipulation reinforces the manipulators habitual patterns and karmic tendencies.
11. Birth (jati): The manipulators manipulative behavior manifests in the form of deceitful actions and words that harm others and perpetuate the cycle of manipulation.
12. Old age and death (jara-marana): Unaddressed manipulation can lead to negative consequences for the manipulator and the manipulated, perpetuating suffering and negative karmic consequences in future situations or even future lives.
In this example, we can see how the Twelve Nidanas demonstrate how manipulative behavior arises and perpetuates through the cycle of dependent origination. By understanding the interconnected and impermanent nature of reality and cultivating awareness and compassion, one can work towards breaking the cycle of manipulation and creating a more wholesome and harmonious relationship with others.

How to break cycle at each point:

Here are some ways to break the cycle at each point:

1. Ignorance (avijja): The first step to breaking the cycle of manipulation is to cultivate awareness and understanding of the true nature of reality. This involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the impermanence of phenomena. Through study, meditation, and reflection, one can develop a deeper understanding of how the cycle of manipulation arises and perpetuates, and work to uproot ignorance by developing wisdom and insight.

2. Mental formations (sankhara): To break the cycle at the level of mental formations, one must cultivate wholesome intentions and actions. This involves developing a clear understanding of the ethical implications of ones actions and cultivating a mind that is oriented towards compassion, generosity, and kindness towards others.

3. Consciousness (viññana): To break the cycle at the level of consciousness, one must work to purify the mind by developing concentration and mindfulness practices. This helps to transform the minds habitual patterns and reduces the likelihood of being driven by ignorance and delusion.

4. Name and form (nama-rupa): To break the cycle at the level of name and form, one must develop awareness and equanimity towards bodily and mental sensations that arise during mental states of manipulation. This involves developing a mindful relationship with bodily sensations and seeking to understand how they influence ones thoughts and actions.

5. The six sense bases (salayatana): To break the cycle at the level of the six sense bases, it is essential to cultivate mindful awareness of sensory experiences and their emotional and cognitive effects. One must remain attentive to the quality of ones attention, seeking to purify and refine the mind in order to perceive reality more accurately.

6. Contact (phassa): To break the cycle at the level of contact, one must develop the capacity to reflect on the implications of a particular situation or interaction, and see through the manipulative impulses that arise in the mind. One should cultivate the ability to see the consequences of ones actions and take responsibility for them.

7. Feeling (vedana): To break the cycle at the level of feeling, one must develop the capacity to remain equanimous in the face of various experiences. This involves developing the ability to observe and reflect on the nature of different emotions, without being carried away by them.

8. Craving (tanha): To break the cycle at the level of craving, one must develop a clear understanding of the nature of desire and attachment, and seek to cultivate a balanced and harmonious relationship with ones desires. This involves recognizing the transient nature of desires and cultivating an attitude of non-attachment.

9. Clinging (upadana): To break the cycle at the level of clinging, it is essential to develop a clear understanding of the nature of attachment and its karmic consequences. One should seek to develop the capacity to disentangle oneself from habitual patterns of behavior and develop more wholesome and constructive habits.

10. Becoming (bhava): To break the cycle at the level of becoming, one must work to cultivate the intention to create positive change in the world, rather than simply serving ones own needs. This involves developing a clear sense of purpose and direction, working towards the development of positive qualities such as love, compassion, and wisdom.

11. Birth (jati): To break the cycle at the level of birth, one must work to cultivate behavior and habits that are in alignment with ones values and intentions, rather than being driven by the desire for personal gain or power.

12. Old age and death (jara-marana): To break the cycle at the level of old age and death, one must work towards developing a deep and abiding commitment to the path of awakening and liberation. This involves developing the capacity to let go of ones attachments and enter into a state of profound peace and equanimity in the face of the inevitable transitions of life.