Three Kinds Of Craving: 1 definition

Introduction:

Three Kinds Of Craving means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Three Kinds Of Craving in Theravada glossary
Source: Buddhist Information: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

The first kind of craving (kamatanha) is focused on sensual objects and it is most prevalent among the living beings of the sensual world.

The craving for existence (bhavatanha) is bound up with the eternity belief (sassata ditthi). It presupposes the permanence of a living being and the indestructibility of the ego despite the dissolution of the physical body. The belief is not deep rooted among the Buddhists, but non Buddhists hold it so firmly that it is a major impediment to their spiritual liberation. Their craving for existence is evident in their illusion of permanent self and their love of sensual pleasure.

The craving for non existence (vibhavatanha) is born of the annihilation belief (uccheda ditthi). The belief is not found among Buddhists and no one is a true Buddhist if he or she holds the belief. The craving for non existence means the desire for the automatic cessation of the life stream after death as well as the love of pleasure rooted in the materialistic view of life.

Each of these three cravings stems from the failure to realize anicca, dukkha and anatta through the introspection of feelings. So in order to forestall craving and its consequences, namely, rebirth and suffering, the yogi should contemplate every phenomenon, and try to see everything as it really is.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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