The article describes the Twelve Nidanas of Dependent Origination and how they relate to the need for certainty. It begins by explaining how ignorance of the true nature of reality leads to habitual patterns of seeking certainty and avoidance of uncertainty. This, in turn, conditions a persons consciousness to seek and cling to certainty, manifested in their physical and mental form.

The six sense bases interact with the external world, leading to contact with objects that trigger the need for certainty. This often results in uncomfortable feelings and the development of strong desires or cravings for certainty, leading to attachment and clinging. This attachment and clinging intensify over time, leading to the process of becoming and eventual rebirth, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.

The article then provides ways to break the cycle of suffering at each of the Twelve Nidanas. Developing an understanding of the true nature of reality leads to wisdom and insight, while cultivating positive mental states and ethical behavior helps dissolve unwholesome patterns. Mindfulness practice leads to a clear awareness of consciousness and the development of detachment, while restraining the senses and developing mindfulness of experience reduces attachment and craving.

Awareness of feelings and craving helps to weaken the grip of these emotions and develop dispassion. Mindful recognition and investigation of clinging and attachment reduce their influence. Finally, cultivating wholesome intentions and ethical behavior dissolves the karmic patterns that lead to further becoming and rebirth. Recognizing the impermanent and unsatisfactory nature of all things leads to detachment and dispassion, freeing us from suffering.