Grammatical Analysis
Avijjāsaṃyojana: [nt.] The Fetter of Ignorance. Formed by avijjā (ignorance, non-knowing) + saṃyojana (fetter, bond).
Orthodox Definition
Avijjāsaṃyojana is the tenth and final Fetter. It is the absolute bedrock of saṃsāra and the root cause of all suffering.
This ignorance is not a lack of worldly education; it is the fundamental, structural blindness to the Four Noble Truths. It is the inability to see impermanence, suffering, and non-self. While gross forms of ignorance are weakened at the lower stages of awakening, the deepest, most microscopic latent tendency of ignorance remains embedded in the mind-stream until the very end.
When the supramundane Path of Arahatship arises, the light of supreme wisdom (paññā) flashes, permanently incinerating the fetter of ignorance. With the destruction of this final fetter, the entire chain of Dependent Origination collapses, and final liberation is achieved.
Textual References
- Sutta: Avijjā Sutta (SN 45.1) – “Ignorance is the forerunner in the entry upon unwholesome states.”
- Sutta: Saṃyojana Sutta (SN 45.180) – Listed as the final higher fetter.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XVII) – The profound Abhidhammic analysis of ignorance as the starting point of the wheel of existence.