The three poisons of Zen are greed, hatred, and delusion. These are considered to be the root causes of suffering and unhappiness in life.
Greed
Greed refers to an excessive desire for material possessions, power, or pleasure. It can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Materialism: Attaching excessive importance to material possessions and constantly seeking more.
- Power hunger: Desire to control others and exert dominance.
- Sensory indulgence: Seeking excessive gratification from physical pleasures.
Hatred
Hatred encompasses anger, resentment, and hostility towards oneself or others. It can stem from:
- Fear: A perceived threat or danger leading to anger and aggression.
- Jealousy: Resentment and envy of another person's possessions or achievements.
- Discrimination: Prejudice and hostility based on differences in race, religion, or other factors.
Delusion
Delusion refers to false beliefs and distorted perceptions that prevent us from seeing reality clearly. This can include:
- Egotism: An inflated sense of self-importance and a belief that one is superior to others.
- Attachment to ideas: Holding onto beliefs and opinions rigidly, even when faced with contradictory evidence.
- Ignorance: Lack of understanding and awareness of the true nature of reality.
By recognizing and overcoming these three poisons, Zen practitioners aim to achieve enlightenment and liberation from suffering. This involves cultivating compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness to guide their actions and thoughts.
