Overview
Craving (Taṇhā) is the origin of suffering (the Second Noble Truth). While often divided into three modes (sensual, existence, non-existence), it is also mapped directly onto the sensory landscape. Beings generate an unquenchable thirst for the objects presented at the six sense doors.
The List
- Rūpataṇhā - Craving for forms: The thirst to see beautiful, pleasing, or fascinating visual objects.
- Saddataṇhā - Craving for sounds: The thirst to hear beautiful music, praise, or pleasing voices.
- Gandhataṇhā - Craving for odors: The thirst for fragrant perfumes or the smell of good food.
- Rasataṇhā - Craving for tastes: The intense thirst for delicious, varied flavors.
- Phoṭṭhabbataṇhā - Craving for tangibles: The thirst for physical comfort, soft touches, and sexual contact.
- Dhammataṇhā - Craving for mental objects: The thirst for pleasant memories, fascinating ideas, intellectual stimulation, or even the bliss of meditation.
Textual References
- Canonical: Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta (DN 22) – In analyzing the Second Noble Truth, the Buddha states that craving arises and settles wherever there is something agreeable and pleasurable in the world, explicitly listing these six classes.