Kilesas (Defilements)

Meaning

Kilesas are the emotional coloring of how a self-centered consciousness perceives the world, preventing one from experiencing reality as it truly is.

In Theravada Buddhism, between 3 (basic) and 25 kilesas - subtle defilements - are distinguished. The three basic kilesas are the three root causes of suffering: craving (lobha/raga), aversion (dosa/dvesha), and delusion (moha/avidja).

Classification

1. Passion (Raga, also often Lobha)

• Greed (Lobha)
• Envy (Issa)
• Avarice / Miserliness (Maccheram)
• Conceit (Mana)
• Arrogance (Atimana)
• Vanity (Mada)

2. Aversion (Dosa)

• Aversion (Dosa)
• Anger (Kodha)
• Resentment / Grudge (Upanaha)
• Contempt (Makkha)
• Insolence (Palasa)

3. Delusion (Moha)

• Deceit (Maya)
• Fraud (Satheyyam)
• Obstinacy (Thambha)
• Rivalry (Sarambha)
• Negligence / Heedlessness (Pamada)

The Path of Purification

It is held that these defilements can only be purified by following the Middle Way - that is, the Noble Eightfold Path - leading to insight and peace.