the three poisons (Buddhism)
Buddhist term for the three fundamental mental afflictions: greed (貪欲), hatred (瞋恚), and delusion (愚痴). Often explained as the root of suffering. Used in doctrinal contexts.
In Buddhism, the three poisons—greed, hatred, and delusion—are taught as the cause of suffering.
煩悩 is a broader term for all mental defilements or afflictions, while 貪瞋痴 specifically refers to the three root poisons.
三毒 is a more common synonym for the three poisons, often used in general Buddhist explanations.
Standard kanji spelling for this Buddhist term.
Variant using the older form 癡 for 痴; marked as out-dated kanji usage.
From the combination of 貪 (greed), 瞋 (hatred), and 痴 (delusion), representing the three root kilesas in Buddhism. The reading とんじんち is the on'yomi of the three characters.