Significance of Avijja
Avijja, a Pali term for ignorance, is regarded as a fundamental cause of suffering in Theravada Buddhism. It leads to mental activities, obscures the understanding of reality, and contributes to the cycle of samsara. Avijja hinders spiritual growth by preventing insight into the Four Noble Truths and the true nature of existence. This lack of understanding fosters delusions that perpetuate the cycle of birth and death, ultimately obstructing the path to liberation and Nibbana.
Synonyms: Ignorance, Lack of knowledge, Delusion, Unawareness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Avijja'
Avijja in Buddhism represents ignorance of reality's true nature, hindering spiritual growth and being the root cause of suffering. It obscures understanding of the Four Noble Truths, cyclic existence, and leads to misconceptions that obstruct enlightenment.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Ignorance or unawareness that leads to mistaken views and hinders spiritual progress.[1] (2) A state of ignorance that leads to the formation of sankhara.[2] (3) Ignorance or lack of understanding, considered a root cause of suffering and existence in the cycle of rebirth.[3] (4) Ignorance that contributes to the cycle of dependent origination by obscuring the understanding of the true nature of existence.[4] (5) Ignorance or misconception about the right path and methods; it obstructs the attainment of Nibbana and happiness.[5]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Ignorance, regarded as the root cause of all suffering and linked to the cycle of existence.[6] (2) Ignorance; the root cause of suffering that hinders the understanding of reality.[7] (3) Ignorance, specifically ignorance of the Four Noble Truths, leading to misperceptions of reality.[8] (4) Ignorance that obscures the understanding of the true nature of reality and initiates suffering.[9] (5) Ignorance that keeps one from understanding the true nature of actions and their consequences, leading to Punnabhi Sankhara.[10]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Ignorance or unawareness that is considered the root cause of suffering and all kilesas.[11] (2) Ignorance, which is considered a root cause of suffering and delusion in Buddhist teachings.[12] (3) Ignorance or lack of understanding, seen as a fundamental impediment to spiritual growth and realization of truth.[13] (4) Ignorance or lack of wisdom, often referred to as the root cause of suffering in Buddhism.[14]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Ignorance; regarded as the main cause of the continuity of life and suffering in samsara.[15] (2) A term for unawareness, which serves as the main cause of suffering and the inability to see reality clearly.[16]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Ignorance that obscures the true nature of the mind, matter, and the circumstances of the next existences.[17] (2) Ignorance or unknowing that leads to the formation of sankharas, which are mental activities or volitional actions.[18]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Ignorance; referring specifically to moha when it obscures understanding.[19]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Ignorance that prevents the understanding of ultimate truths and reality.[20]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Ignorance, which is depicted as the king post of the house preventing realization of the Four Truths and Nibbana.[21]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The Pali term for ignorance, particularly in the context of the cycle of birth and death.[22]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Ignorance of the true nature of existence; this ignorance is considered the root of suffering in Buddhism.[23]