In Zen Buddhism, “greed, anger, and ignorance” are regarded as the three fundamental causes of human suffering, collectively referred to as the "three poisons" (three afflictions). They represent the most basic negative states in the human heart and are the main reasons why sentient beings continue to experience suffering in the cycle of life and death (Samsara).
In Zen Buddhism, understanding and overcoming these three mental states is considered the key to achieving liberation and enlightenment.
In Zen Buddhism, “greed, anger, and ignorance” are seen as the sources of spiritual pollution and the root of all pain and trouble. They are like layers of fog that obscure the light of the soul, preventing all living beings from seeing the true state of life and achieving spiritual purity and freedom.
Therefore, one of the important purposes of Zen practice is to recognize, understand, and ultimately overcome these three mental states. Through the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and wisdom, we can gradually clean mind poisons and reach Nirvana, the final state of liberation beyond the cycle of life and death.
Read our meditation blog to understand more about Three Poisons: The Three Mind Poisons in Buddhist Philosophy: Greed, Anger, and Ignorance.
