In short: the three poisons, or roots, are greed (wanting), hatred (pushing away) and delusion (not seeing clearly). The Buddha taught that actions rooted in them lead to suffering, and that their opposites, generosity, loving-kindness and wisdom, lead to wellbeing (see AN 3.65).
Each poison
- Greed: craving and clinging. Opposite: generosity.
- Hatred: aversion and anger. Opposite: loving-kindness.
- Delusion: ignorance of how things are. Opposite: wisdom and understanding the truths.
In practice
Name what is present: "wanting", "aversion", "confusion". See noting meditation, teachings on anger and the five hindrances.
Related: samsara · karma · ego
Questions people ask
What are the three poisons in Buddhism?
Greed (lobha), hatred or aversion (dosa) and delusion (moha). They are the roots of unwholesome actions and suffering.
What are their opposites?
Generosity, loving-kindness and wisdom.
How do I work with them?
Notice them as they arise, without judgement, and cultivate their opposites through dana, metta and insight.