The 3 Roots of Demerit

Overview

(Note: This list is identical in its ultimate doctrinal components to item 24, “The 3 Roots of Unwholesome Action.” In the broader schema of the Suttas and Abhidhamma, it functions as the definitive diagnostic triad for identifying how demerit (akusala) is birthed within the mind.)

The List

1. Lobha - Greed: The mental factor of attraction and clinging, pulling objects into the ego-continuum.
2. Dosa - Hatred: The mental factor of aversion and violence, pushing objects away with anger.
3. Moha - Delusion: The foundational spiritual blindness that prevents the mind from perceiving the Four Noble Truths.

Textual References

• Canonical: Akusalamūla Sutta (AN 3.69) – Detail how actions born of these three roots bind the mind to future painful ripening.