Moha (
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; attributively , ; nominally , , ) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural diffusion ...
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Pali
Pali () is a Middle Indo-Aryan liturgical language native to the Indian subcontinent. It is widely studied because it is the language of the Buddhist ''Pāli Canon'' or '' Tipiṭaka'' as well as the sacred language of '' Theravāda'' Buddh ...
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मोह; Tibetan phonetic: ''timuk'') is a concept in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, it is one of the six
arishadvargas (also known as shadripus). In Buddhist thought, Moha, along with Raga (greed, sensual attachment) and
Dvesha (aversion, hate) are unskillful roots that lead to Tanha (craving) which is part of the
Twelve Nidanas that propel the wheel of life. It is symbolically present as the pig in the center of Tibetan
bhavachakra drawings. Moha refers to desire and attachment to the world or worldly matters.
It is sometimes synonymous with "ignorance" (''
Avijjā'').
[
Moha is identified in the following contexts within the teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism:
* One of the ''three unwholesome roots'' within the Theravada Buddhist tradition
* One of the fourteen unwholesome mental factors within the Theravada Abhidharma teachings
* One of the three poisons within the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
]
Etymology and meaning
''Moha'' appears in the Vedic literature, and has roots in early Vedic word ''mogha'' which means "empty, unreal, vain, useless, foolish". The term, as well as the three defects concept appears in the ancient texts of Jainism and some schools of Hinduism such as Nyaya, in their respective discussion of the theory of rebirths.[ The opposite of ''Moha'' is '' Prajna'' (insight, wisdom). Beliefs different from those considered as insights in Buddhism, are forms of delusions or Moha in Buddhism. Moha is one of the roots of evil, in the Buddhist belief.]
Application
In Hinduism "Moh" means attachment to people or things.
This world is dystopia and what we perceive as reality is simulated reality. Everything, including time,is an illusion. This illusion is known as "Maya" to which we have "moh" or an attachment.
Within the Mahayana tradition, ''moha'' is classified as one of the three poisons, which are considered to be the root cause of suffering.
In the Mahayana tradition, ''moha'' is considered to be a subcategory of '' avidyā''. Whereas ''avidyā'' is defined as a fundamental ignorance, ''moha'' is defined as an ignorance of cause and effect or of reality that accompanies only destructive states of mind or behavior.[Berzin, Alexander]
''Berzin Archives, Glossary of Buddhist Terms''
''Moha'' is sometimes replaced by ''avidyā'' in lists of the three poisons. In contemporary explanations of the ''three poisons'', teachers are likely to emphasize the fundamental ignorance of ''avidyā'' rather than ''moha''.
See also
* Kleshas (Buddhism)
* Mental factors (Buddhism)
* Three poisons (Buddhism)
References
Sources
* Ajahn Sucitto (2010). ''Turning the Wheel of Truth: Commentary on the Buddha's First Teaching''. Shambhala.
* Mingyur Rinpoche (2007). ''The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness''. Harmony. Kindle Edition.
External links
Delusional Thinking - Moha (Hinduism)
{{Buddhism topics
Unwholesome factors in Buddhism
Sanskrit words and phrases