Significance of Three roots
The keyphrase "Three roots" is interpreted differently in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. In Mahayana, Three roots pertain to wrong views, pride, and convention, which create confusion in grasping Buddhist teachings. In contrast, Theravada defines Three roots as the three moral roots present in consciousness that indicate higher moral quality, along with identifying the essential causes of immoral actions: lobha (attachment), dosa (ill-will), and moha (ignorance). Thus, the concept serves various functions in each tradition.
Synonyms: Three origins, Three bases
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Three roots'
The Three Roots in Buddhism represent the origins of immoral actions—attachment, ill-will, and ignorance. They also highlight consciousness types with moral integrity and address misconceptions rooted in wrong views, pride, and convention that hinder comprehension of Buddhist teachings.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Characterizes consciousness types that have all three moral roots, indicating a higher moral quality.[1] (2) The three fundamental causes of immoral actions: lobha (attachment), dosa (ill-will), and moha (ignorance).[2]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Fundamental causes of immoral mental states, identified as greed, hate, and dullness.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The foundational aspects of current language identified as wrong views, pride, and convention, serving as sources of confusion in understanding Buddhist teachings.[4]