Stubbornness is a trait that can cause significant problems in both personal and professional relationships. It arises from a lack of understanding of the impact of ones behaviors on oneself and others. Buddhisms Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination provide a framework for understanding how the cycle of stubbornness arises and perpetuates itself. In this framework, every moment of experience is interconnected and arises dependently on a preceding condition. It is a process that demonstrates the complexity of all phenomena.

The Twelve Nidanas illustrate how ignorance, fear, and attachment lead to tenacious patterns in our attitudes and behaviors. These habits lead to negative consequences and the cycle of stubbornness continues. However, by cultivating mindfulness, positive behaviors, and self-compassion, people can break the cycle of stubbornness at each point of the twelve links.

At the first point of the twelve links, ignorance (avijja), people can develop understanding of the impact of their stubbornness on themselves and others through mindfulness practices, self-reflection and feedback from those affected. At the second point, mental formations (sankhara), wholesome behaviors and attitudes such as compassion, empathy, and open-mindedness can be practiced to cultivate positive karmic formations. At the third point, consciousness (viññana), people can develop awareness through mindfulness and concentration practices to gain insight into how their consciousness is conditioned by habits and beliefs.

At the fourth point, nama-rupa or name and form, mindfulness of the body and mind can be practiced to release physical and emotional tensions that contribute to stubbornness. At the fifth point, the six sense bases (salayatana), people can practice sensory restraint by being mindful of sensory input and focusing on sensations that promote positive mental states and reduce negative emotions.

At the sixth point, contact (phassa), equanimity, non-judgmental awareness, and openness to alternate perspectives can be practiced when encountering challenging situations that challenge preconceived notions. At the seventh point, feeling (vedana), skillful means can be cultivated to respond to unpleasant feelings by practicing self-compassion and focusing on positive emotions and experiences.

At the eighth point, craving (tanha), contentment and gratitude can be cultivated to reduce the desire or attachment to maintain ones current viewpoint or behavior. At the ninth point, clinging (upadana), recognition of and acknowledgment of ones ego or self-worth can be practiced, along with focusing on ones values and positive behaviors that promote growth and connection.

At the tenth point, becoming (bhava), awareness of how clinging reinforces ones negative karmic tendencies and habitual patterns that feed into stubbornness should be developed. At the eleventh point, birth (jati), practicing self-compassion and empathy towards oneself and others can help reduce negative behaviors that arise due to stubbornness.

At the twelfth point, old age and death (jara-marana), letting go of ones fixed mindset and behaviors and embracing change and open-mindedness can be practiced. By breaking the cycle at each of the twelve points, people can develop greater insight into the nature of reality, reduce suffering and cultivate positive attitudes and behaviors.