Second truth: origin of dukkha

Main article: Samudaya

The second noble truth is the truth of the origin of dukkha. Within the context of the four noble truths, the origin (Pali: samudaya) of dukkha is commonly explained as craving (Pali: tanha) conditioned by ignorance (Pali: avijja). This craving runs on three channels:

• Craving for sense-pleasures (kama-tanha): this is craving for sense objects which provide pleasant feeling, or craving for sensory pleasures.

• Craving to be (bhava-tanha): this is craving to be something, to unite with an experience. This includes craving to be solid and ongoing, to be a being that has a past and a future, and craving to prevail and dominate over others.

• Craving not to be (vibhava-tanha): this is craving to not experience the world, and to be nothing; a wish to be separated from painful feelings.

   

Ignorance (Pali: avijja) can be defined as ignorance of the meaning and implication of the four noble truths.On a deeper level, it refers to a misunderstanding of the nature of the self and reality.

Another common explanation presents the cause of dukkha as disturbing emotions (Sanskrit: kleshas) rooted in ignorance (Sanskrit: avidya). In this context, it is common to identify three root disturbing emotions, called the three poisons, as the root cause of suffering or dukkha. These three poisons are:

Ignorance (Sanskrit: avidya or moha): misunderstanding of the nature of reality; bewilderment. Attachment (Sanskrit: raga): attachment to pleasurable experiences. Aversion (Sanskrit: dvesha): a fear of getting what we don't want, or not getting what we do want.