Three Defilements

Also known as the Three Poisons, these are considered fundamental states of mind that are the root causes of suffering. They cloud the mind and lead to unwholesome actions. Overcoming these defilements leads to freedom from suffering and inner peace:

1. Greed: A craving or clinging to pleasure, possessions, or experiences. It drives attachment and desire, often leading to excessive longing for material goods, experiences, or even people. Greed is a powerful force behind suffering.

2. Hatred: An aversion, anger, or ill will toward unpleasant experiences or beings. It fuels aggression and resistance, often resulting in harmful actions and behaviors.

3. Delusion: Ignorance or misunderstanding of reality. It causes confusion and distorts perception. Delusion reflects a lack of insight into the nature of the self, impermanence, and suffering, preventing one from seeing things as they truly are.