Avijja

Avijja is a term found in Buddhist philosophy, often translated as ignorance or delusion. It refers to a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of reality, particularly concerning the impermanence, unsatisfactory nature, and selfless essence of all phenomena. This ignorance is considered the root cause of suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

Avijja prevents individuals from seeing things as they truly are. Instead, they perceive a permanent, solid, and independent self, and they cling to pleasant experiences while aversely reacting to unpleasant ones. This misapprehension fuels the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to actions driven by these defilements.

Overcoming avijja is a central aim of the Buddhist path. Through the practice of meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom, one gradually dismantles this fundamental ignorance. By developing insight into the Four Noble Truths and the principle of dependent origination, individuals can begin to see through the illusion of a separate self and the inherent impermanence of existence. This liberation from avijja leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana. It is the first link in the chain of dependent origination, highlighting its foundational role in the cycle of existence.