The article discusses the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination and how they relate to the development and perpetuation of our sense of self. It begins by explaining how our ignorance of the true nature of reality, including the impermanence and insubstantiality of the self, creates a false perception of a fixed, permanent entity.

As we form habits and patterns of thoughts and behaviors that reinforce our perceived sense of self, our consciousness becomes conditioned to identify with certain thoughts and emotions. This leads to the development of a sense of self that is based on our physical and psychological aspects, which we then relate to external objects or other beings through our sense organs.

The way we interact with the world reinforces our sense of identity, eliciting various feelings that we may associate with our perception of self. We may crave experiences that reinforce our sense of self and avoid those that challenge or threaten it, further entrenching our attachment to our beliefs and behaviors that reinforce our sense of self.

This clinging to identity reinforces our karmic patterns, keeping us in a cycle of thoughts and behaviors that further reinforce our sense of self. Our identification with the self becomes more ingrained over time, leading to feelings of fear, abandonment, and rejection, which can cause us to suffer.

To escape this cycle of dependent origination related to the development of personal identity, we can apply various strategies, including developing wisdom and insight, cultivating mindfulness and awareness of our habits and tendencies, applying introspection and self-reflection, recognizing and contemplating the insubstantiality and emptiness of the self, and cultivating virtuous habits and qualities that support the Eightfold Path.

By understanding the factors that contribute to our sense of self and working towards developing a more accurate and liberating understanding of the self, we can experience liberation from attachment to the self and find spiritual freedom.