The present paper discusses the three doctrinal concepts of dependent origination, awakening, and samsara which are interwined in the Theravada teaching. This rather confused state could be the result of a traditional misinterpretation of dependent origination. It is discussed how the fifth century treatise Visuddhimagga employed the traditional formula of the twelve links in three existences to expound the meaning of dependent origination. This concept has been questioned by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, a famous Thai monk and author who felt that the scriptures do not corroborate such an understanding. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's critique on the Visuddhimagga explanation was probably the most scholarly put forth within Asian Buddhist circles during the last centuries. According to him, perceiving dependent origination in terms of three existences is the viewpoint of Brahmanism and based on the premise of an eternal "self". If we narrow the scope the main focus of contention turns out to be the third link, the function of consciousness. Should it be interpreted as the consciousness which is reborn or simple as the sixth consciousness? What is the relationship between dependent origination and the five aggregates, the physical and mental factors which, combined, form man?
