The three poisons (Sanskrit: triviṣa; Tibetan: dug gsum) in the Mahayana tradition or the three unwholesome roots (Sanskrit: akuśala-mūla; Pāli: akusala-mūla), in the Theravada tradition are a Buddhist term that refers to the three root kleshas that lead to all negative states. These three states are delusion, also known as ignorance; greed or sensual attachment; and hatred or aversion.[1] [2] These three poisons are considered to be three afflictions or character flaws that are innate in beings and the root of craving, and so causing suffering and rebirth.[1] [3]
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.[4] [5]
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.[6] [7] 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.[1] [8] [9]
The three wholesome mental factors that are identified as the opposites of the three poisons are:[10]
Buddhist path considers these essential for liberation.
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:
| Poison | Sanskrit[11] [12] | Pali | Tibetan[13] | Alternate English translations | Skt./Pali/Tib. Synonym[14] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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.[15]