The original meaning of "defilements"
This article explains the original meaning of "defilements" from a scientific perspective.
What Are "Defilements"?
In Buddhism, defilements (kleshas) are regarded as the root cause of suffering.
Defilements do not refer to desire itself, but rather to cognitive distortion — the decline in thinking abilities due to intense desire.
Defilements arise through the following process, creating a vicious cycle in which minor pain leads to even greater pain:
- You experience pain.
- A desire to escape the pain arises.
- You try to shut out the painful information.
- Your brain fails to process crucial information needed to resolve the situation, impairing your thinking abilities.
- You become unable to solve your problems rationally.
- Your problems worsen, causing even greater pain.
This type of cognitive distortion is referred to in psychology as "cognitive bias" or "emotional bias" and is considered a natural response that can occur in anyone.
How to Eliminate Defilements
Fortunately, there is a path to overcome these defilements.
The Noble Eightfold Path explains how to eliminate defilements and break this vicious cycle.
For details, please refer to the article "The original meaning of the 'Noble Eightfold Path'".
Related Buddhist Terms
- "The Four Noble Truths" explain that defilements are the root cause of suffering.
- "The Noble Eightfold Path" describes the practical method for eliminating defilements.
- "Nirvana" is the mental state in which defilements have been completely eliminated.