The Three Fires (Or The Three Poisons)

 

     Greed, hatred, and ignorance are known as the three fires  (or the three poisons). These block nirvana, which in sanskrit means, believe it or not, to extinguish or blow out. Putting out these three fires will open you up to the full Buddhist experience. The path is high and difficult and no one said life is easy. With a little mindfulness, you too will be able to put out these raging infernos inside. Understand these fires, and you will become wise. Put these fires out, and you'll be more than that. These fires have plagued us forever. Do not let them keep you from the pursuit of nirvana, the ultimate reality.

 Greed

 Greed, or attachment, is the want or desire for worldly possessions and wealth. What is considered greed, or too much wealth? You'll know it in your heart. The worst kind of greed is wanting wealth for the mere fact of being wealthy. Avoid greed like the wild tiger in the jungle: for it is merciless and hungry. It will take you down under with it, leaving you hollow and dry. Your ego controls you (Ego was covered in a previous post). It's not too late. If you are here reading these words then you are ready to let go or have already purged yourself of this fire.

  Hatred

  Hatred  is one of the strongest, most menacing forces. It takes no prisoners. Hatred can be anything from disgust, strong dislike, aversion, or even opposition to whatever you're hosting upon. As I have said, hate begets hate. Hate divides siblings and turns a people against each other. There is no honor in hate. Hate will blind you and make your mind cluttered. However, as before, I believe if you are reading this you are on the right path. Let go of any hate, accept your fellow brother and sister.

 Ignorance


 Ignorance  is a false belief, an illusion even, or a lack of knowledge and/or wisdom. Ignorance blinds you, making you less receptive and.dampers your ability to investigate phenomena. Ignorance is something that can prevent a person's path and lead them into perils and impending doom. While under ignorance's spell we are resistant to the truth and attack truth with extreme conflict. Ignorance blocks right view, part of the eightfold path (The Eightfold lath was covered in a previous post.) Ignorance denies you from living an existence in reality. Ignorance is delusion.

 In conclusion

The three fires must be put out to continue your walk down a peaceful, enlightening path. No gold comes from greed, hatred, and ignorance. I wish I could tell you that these fires come and go, but I can't. They'll flare up at the drop of a dime, challenging you to put them out or suffer defeat. What's better? To know the truth, peace, and to be a mindful compassionate individual, or to be groveling, envious, delusional person? The answer is simple. Clear yourself of these fires and you are on your first step of a long, peaceful journey. I fully trust that you are not here for no reason. You are here to learn and blossom into a beautiful flower. I hope that there will be more like you, for I dream of world peace. I dream of this world in fact, everyday. Can you help make that world a reality?