Overview
Craving (taṇhā) is identified in the Second Noble Truth as the origin of suffering. It is a relentless thirst that can never be fully satisfied. The Buddha categorized this craving into three distinct operational modes, covering the entirety of human ambition and existential desire.
The List
- Kāmataṇhā - Craving for sensual pleasures: The thirst for the enjoyment of the five physical senses—desiring beautiful sights, sweet sounds, fragrant smells, delicious tastes, and pleasant bodily touches.
- Bhavataṇhā - Craving for existence: The desire to be, to live forever, to achieve status, or to be reborn in higher heavenly realms. It is often accompanied by the eternalist view (sassatadiṭṭhi).
- Vibhavataṇhā - Craving for non-existence: The desire for annihilation, escaping from pain by ceasing to exist. It is driven by aversion and often accompanied by the annihilationist view (ucchedadiṭṭhi).
Textual References
- Canonical: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11) – The Buddha explicitly defines the origin of suffering as these three specific forms of craving.