tanha

Taṇhā, often translated as craving, thirst, or longing, is a central term in Buddhist philosophy. The word comes from Pali taṇhā and is described as the mental force that leads beings to seek sensory pleasures, continued existence, or non-existence. In Buddhist doctrine, taṇhā is a primary seed of suffering and a key factor in the cycle of rebirth and dissatisfaction.

In the framework of the Four Noble Truths, taṇhā is identified as the cause of suffering (dukkha). It arises from ignorance and conditions further mental formations, leading to attachment and craving that bind beings to samsara. In dependent origination, taṇhā is both conditioned by contact and feeling and, in turn, gives rise to clinging, actions, and new existences.

Three main forms are commonly described: kāma-tanḥā (craving for sense pleasures), bhava-tanḥā (craving for continued existence or becoming), and vibhava-tanḥā (craving for non-existence or annihilation). Craving can target experiences in the past, present, or future and may express itself as attachment, desire, or aversion.

Cessation and practice: The extinguishing of taṇhā is central to attaining nibbāna (nirvana). It is said to be achieved by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which cultivates right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Mindfulness and insight meditation (vipassana) are commonly used to observe the impermanent and unsatisfactory nature of phenomena, gradually reducing craving and clinging. Taṇhā remains a foundational concept across many Buddhist schools, illustrating the psychology of desire and the path to liberation.