avijjasava

Avijjasava is a term originating from the Pali language, often encountered in Buddhist philosophy. It is a compound word made up of "avijja" (ignorance) and "assava" (outflow or defilement). Therefore, avijjasava can be understood as the "outflows of ignorance" or "defilements stemming from ignorance."

In Buddhist teachings, ignorance, or avijja, is considered a fundamental root of suffering. It refers to a lack of understanding of the true nature of reality, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the concept of anatta (non-self). This ignorance leads to various mental defilements and unwholesome states of mind, which are the avijjasava.

These outflows are typically described as being of three kinds: the outflows of sensual desire (kamasava), the outflows of becoming (bhavasava), and the outflows of ignorance itself (avijjasava). While sometimes considered distinct, the term avijjasava specifically highlights the role of ignorance in perpetuating these cycles of suffering. By understanding and eradicating ignorance through wisdom and insight, one can ultimately cease the outflows and attain liberation.