Three Root Poisons Flashcards
What are the Three Root Poisons?
Greed, Ignorance, Hatred
What is Greed?
Greed is motivated by craving (Tanha). People think that obtaining their desires will lead to happiness but this only leads to more craving and greed which leads to suffering.
What is Ignorance?
Ignorance is understood to mean ignorance to the nature of humans, reality and the Buddha’s teaching. Not paying attention to these key things will cause suffering as humans will continue to crave and desire impermanent things and repeat their mistakes.
What is Hatred?
Buddhists believe in compassion towards all beings. Clinging to feelings of hate makes us behave in negative ways which harm ourselves and others. Hate will cause suffering. Therefore to be free from suffering, hate must be extinguished.
