Avijja

Avijja

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The 12 Nidānas: Ignorance ↓ Formations ↓ Consciousness ↓ Name & Form ↓ Six Sense Bases ↓ Contact ↓ Feeling ↓ Craving ↓ Clinging ↓ Becoming ↓ Birth ↓ Old Age & Death

For treatment in Hindu thought, see Avidya (Hinduism).

Avidyā (Sanskrit; Pāli: avijjā; Tibetan phonetic: ma rigpa) is commonly translated as "ignorance" or "delusion". It can be defined as not understanding the full meaning and implication of the four noble truths or as a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of reality. Avidyā is identified within the Buddhist teachings as follows:

• The first link in the twelve links of dependent origination.
• One of the three poisons within the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
• One of the six root kleshas within the Mahayana Abhidharma teachings
• One of the ten fetters in the Theravada tradition
• Equivalent to moha within the Theravada Abhidharma teachings

Within the context of the twelve links of dependent origination, avidya is typically symbolized by a person who is blind or wearing a blindfold.