In Zen, “ignorance” represents delusion, one of the three fundamental afflictions (the three poisons) that cause suffering and the continual cycle of reincarnation in all beings, the other two being greed and anger.
“Ignorance” is a delusion of truth and a failure to understand the law of cause and effect (Karma). This kind of ignorance is not limited to intellectual understanding, but involves a deeper understanding of the fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of things.
“Ignorance” plays an extremely important role in Zen Buddhism. It is the basis for the reincarnation of all beings, because the lack of correct understanding of the truth of life causes all beings to constantly wander in the cycle of life and death (Samsara). “Ignorance” creates wrong views about self, others, and the material world, which gives rise to other defilements such as greed and anger.
The existence of “ignorance” reveals the deep constraints of the sentient mind, for it is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the world and oneself. This misunderstanding leads to an obsessive attachment to status, material wealth, and power, as well as a fear of death and loss.
In Zen Buddhism, through the overcoming of ignorance and the cultivation of wisdom, sentient beings can gradually achieve insight into the truth of life, thereby achieving the goal of liberation (nirvana).
Read our meditation blog to understand more about Ignorance: The Three Mind Poisons in Buddhist Philosophy: Greed, Anger, and Ignorance.
