Buddhist Study Group - Overcoming the Roots of Suffering

Exploring attachment, aversion and ignorance.

This course is part of our Buddhist Study Programme, The Buddha’s Path.

In the centre of the iconic Buddhist image of the Wheel of Life, or Bhavachakra, you will find depicted a pig, a bird, and a snake. These three creatures represent the Three Poisons – ignorance, attachment, and aversion.

These three are, according to the Buddha, the source of all our negative mental states – such as anxiety, anger, and jealousy – and the root from which all unskillful or harmful actions spring.

It is understood that as long as our thoughts, words, and actions are conditioned by the Three Poisons, they will cause unceasing problems for ourselves and others.

It is therefore essential that we learn to overcome these afflictions, in order to find lasting wellbeing and happiness.

The focus of this next module is understanding these three root mental afflictions and their role in generating suffering.

This module will also examine the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, the Buddha’s explanation of the cyclical nature of dukkha and samsara. Through this, we will explore the concept of samsara, or the cycle of rebirth, understanding its significance in Buddhist thought.

This Online Study Group relies entirely on donations. Only through your honest generosity will we be able to continue offering these sessions for the benefit of all. You can make a donation using one of the options at the checkout, or by visiting this page.

Find out more