Three poisons
The three poisons or the three unwholesome roots, in Buddhism, refer to the three root kleshas of Moha, Raga, and Dvesha. These three poisons are considered to be three afflictions or character flaws innate in a being, the root of Taṇhā, and thus in part the cause of Dukkha and rebirths.
The three poisons are symbolically drawn at the center of Buddhist Bhavachakra artwork, with rooster, snake and pig, representing greed, ill will and delusion respectively.
Brief description
In the Buddhist teachings, the three poisons 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. As shown in the wheel of life, the three poisons lead to the creation of karma, which leads to rebirth in the six realms of samsara.
Opposite wholesome qualities
The three wholesome mental factors that are identified as the opposites of the three poisons are: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 in the Mahayana tradition and as the three unwholesome roots in the Theravada tradition.The Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan terms for each of the three poisons are as follows:
| Poison | Sanskrit | Pali | Tibetan | Alternate English translations | Skt./Pali/Tib. Synonym |
| Delusion | moha | moha | gti mug | confusion, bewilderment | avidyā ; avijjā ; ma rigpa |
| 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.