.jpg)
| Part ofa series on |
| Buddhism |
|---|
 |
Thethree poisons (Sanskrit:triviṣa; Tibetan:dug gsum) in theMahayana tradition or thethree unwholesome roots (Sanskrit:akuśala-mūla; Pāli:akusala-mūla) in theTheravada tradition are aBuddhist term that refers to the three rootkleshas that lead to all negative states. These three states aredelusion, also known asignorance;greed or sensual attachment; andhatred or aversion.[1][2] These three poisons are considered to be three afflictions or character flaws that are innate in beings and the root ofcraving, and so causingsuffering andrebirth.[1][3]
The three poisons are symbolically shown at the center of the BuddhistBhavachakra artwork, with the rooster, snake, and pig, representing greed, ill-will and delusion respectively.[4][5]
In theBuddhist teachings, the three poisons (of ignorance, attachment, and aversion) are the primary causes that keep sentient beings trapped insamsara. These three poisons are said to be the root of all of the otherkleshas.[6][7]The three poisons are represented in the hub of thewheel of life as a pig, a bird, and a snake (representing ignorance, attachment, and aversion, respectively). As shown in thewheel of life (Sanskrit:bhavacakra), the three poisons lead to the creation ofkarma, which leads to rebirth in the six realms of samsara.[1][8][9]
The three wholesomemental factors that are identified as the opposites of the three poisons are:[10][11]
TheBuddhist path considers these essential forliberation.[10]
The three kleshas of ignorance, attachment and aversion are referred to as thethree poisons (Skt.triviṣa; Tibetan:dug gsum) in theMahayana tradition and as thethree unwholesome roots (Pāli,akusala-mūla; Skt.akuśala-mūla) in theTheravada tradition.
The Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan terms for each of the three poisons are as follows:
| Poison | Sanskrit[12][13] | Pali | Tibetan[12][14] | Alternate English translations[12] | Skt./Pali/Tib. Synonym[15] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delusion | moha | moha | gti mug | confusion, bewilderment, ignorance | avidyā (Skt.); avijjā (Pāli); ma rigpa (Tib.) |
| Attachment | rāga | lobha | 'dod chags | desire, sensuality, greed | n/a |
| Aversion | dveṣa | dosa | zhe sdang | anger, hatred, hostility | n/a |
In the Mahayana traditionmoha is identified as a subcategory ofavidya. Whereasavidya is defined as a fundamental ignorance,moha is defined as delusion, confusion and incorrect beliefs. In the Theravada tradition,moha andavidya are equivalent terms, but they are used in different contexts;moha is used when referring to mental factors, andavidya is used when referring to thetwelve links.[1]
Meditation is regarded in Buddhism as a primary method for developing a calm and concentrated mind to overcome the three poisons. Through meditative introspection, an individual develops self-awareness and insight into their own mind, which helps reduce internal obstacles. However, effective meditation often requires support such as "moral aptitude" and "good friends" (or teachers).[16]
.svg)
