Three poisons
Innate character flaws described in Buddhism
- 2 min read
- 4 chapters
Related on Lably
The three poisons are symbolically shown at the center of the Buddhist Bhavachakra artwork, with the rooster, snake, and pig, representing greed, ill-will and delusion respectively.
Brief description
In the Buddhist teachings, the three poisons (of ignorance, attachment, and aversion) are the primary causes that keep sentient beings trapped in samsara. These three poisons are said to be the root of all of the other kleshas. The three poisons are represented in the hub of the wheel of life as a pig, a bird, and a snake (representing ignorance, attachment, and aversion, respectively). As shown in the wheel of life (Sanskrit: bhavacakra), the three poisons lead to the creation of karma, which leads to rebirth in the six realms of samsara.
Sign in to keep reading
3 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Opposite wholesome qualities
The three wholesome mental factors that are identified as the opposites of the three poisons are:
- amoha (non-delusion) or paññā (wisdom)
- alobha (non-attachment) or dāna (generosity)
- adveṣa (non-hatred) or mettā (loving-kindness)
The Buddhist path considers these essential for liberation.
Sanskrit/Pali/Tibetan terms and translations
The three kleshas of ignorance, attachment and aversion are referred to as the three poisons (Skt. triviṣa; Tibetan: dug gsum) in the Mahayana tradition and as the three unwholesome roots (Pāli, akusala-mūla; Skt. akuśala-mūla) in the Theravada tradition.
The Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan terms for each of the three poisons are as follows:
In the Mahayana tradition moha is identified as a subcategory of avidya. Whereas avidya is defined as a fundamental ignorance, moha is defined as delusion, confusion and incorrect beliefs. In the Theravada tradition, moha and avidya are equivalent terms, but they are used in different contexts; moha is used when referring to mental factors, and avidya is used when referring to the twelve links.
Meditation and the three poisons
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).