The Buddha taught that all phenomena arise dependent on other conditions, that there is no first cause. Because of ignorance, we are caught in Samsara, the wearying round of existence. Paticca Samuppada, dependent arising, is graphically represented in the Wheel of Birth and Death. Here, we can see how our kamma, our volition and our actions, perpetuate an unbroken sequence of rebirth and death. In order to break out of the wheel and to escape from the round of existence and suffering, we must overcome ignorance by developing wisdom. Thus, we can achieve nibbana. This is the goal of the practice of Buddhism.