Becoming in Dependent Origination

In the twelve links of dependent origination, clinging conditions becoming, and becoming conditions birth.

“Becoming” (bhava) refers to existence in one of three spheres: the sensual realm, the form realm associated with material jhāna, and the formless realm associated with immaterial jhāna. Human existence belongs to the sensual realm.

Sustained by clinging and kamma, becoming conditions further birth in the corresponding realm. Birth is the arising of a life within that realm.

All three realms remain within saṃsāra. Through the Noble Eightfold Path, ignorance, craving, and clinging cease. When clinging ceases, becoming ceases; when becoming ceases, further birth ceases.

References: SN 12.2; MN 9; AN 3.76.