Overview
The Buddha frequently used the metaphor of fire to describe the defilements. A fire consumes its fuel, creates painful heat, and brings no lasting peace. Nibbāna, literally meaning “the blowing out” or “extinguishment,” refers precisely to the complete quenching of these three psychological fires.
The List
- Rāgaggi - The Fire of Lust / Greed: The burning desire for sensual gratification and existence. It scorches the mind with longing and dissatisfaction.
- Dosaggi - The Fire of Hatred: The burning heat of anger, resentment, and violent aversion. It consumes the person harboring it before it harms anyone else.
- Mohaggi - The Fire of Delusion: The smoldering, blinding smoke of ignorance. It prevents beings from seeing the danger of the other two fires and keeps them wandering in saṃsāra.
Textual References
- Canonical: Āditta Sutta (SN 35.28) – The famous “Fire Sermon,” where the Buddha declares that the six senses are burning with the fires of lust, hatred, and delusion.
- Canonical: Aggi Sutta (Iti 93) – The Buddha explicitly defines these three fires as internal dangers.