Three poisons

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The three poisons are represented in the center of the wheel of life as a pig, a bird, and a snake.
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The three poisons (Sanskrit: triviṣa; Tibetan: dug gsum) in the

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]

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.[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]

Opposite wholesome qualities

The three wholesome mental factors that are identified as the opposites of the three poisons are:[10][11]

  • paññā
    (wisdom)
  • alobha (non-attachment) or dāna (generosity)
  • mettā
    (loving-kindness)

The

Buddhist path considers these essential for liberation.[10]

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:

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 tradition

twelve links.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4008-4805-8
    .
  2. ISBN 978-0-19-157917-2
    .
  3. ISBN 978-0-415-34652-8
    .
  4. ISBN 978-0-86171-366-0
    .
  5. ^ Guido Freddi (2019). "Bhavacakra and Mindfulness".
  6. ^ Daniel Goleman (2003), pages 106, 111
  7. ^ Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen (2010), p. 451.
  8. ISBN 978-0-415-34652-8
    .
  9. ^ Dalai Lama (1992), p. 4, 42
  10. ^ a b Gethin 1998, p. 81.
  11. ISBN 978-1-119-14466-3
    .
  12. ^ a b c Padmakara (1998), p. 336, 414. (from the glossary)
  13. ^ Damien Keown. "akuśala-mūla." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2011). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-akualamla.html
  14. ^ Ranjung Yeshe Wiki - Dharma Dictionary. http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/dug_gsum
  15. ^ Damien Keown. "moha." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2011). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-moha.html

Sources

  • Dalai Lama (1992). The Meaning of Life, translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, Boston: Wisdom.
  • Dzongsar Khyentse
    (2004). Gentle Voice #22, September 2004 Issue.
  • Geshe Sonam Rinchen
    (2006). How Karma Works: The Twelve Links of Dependent Arising, Snow Lion
  • Goleman, Daniel (2003). Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Random House.
  • Keown, Damien (2004). A Dictionary of Buddhism. Oxford University Press.
  • Lamotte, Étienne (translator). The Treatise on the Great Virtue of Wisdom of Nagarjuna. Gampo Abbey.
  • Geshe Tashi Tsering (2006), Buddhist Psychology: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, Volume III, Perseus Books Group, Kindle Edition
  • Gethin, Rupert (1998), Foundations of Buddhism, Oxford University Press
  • Rangjung Yeshe Wiki - Dharma Dictionary. http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/dug_gsum
  • Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche (2011). Awakening the Sacred Body: Tibetan Yogas of Breath and Movement. Hay House.
  • Trungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche Sherpa
    (2004). Gampopa, the Monk and the Yogi : His Life and Teachings. Harvard University.

Further reading

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