The Buddha describes the three kinds of craving - 1) craving for sensual pleasures, 2) craving for becoming, and 3) craving for non-becoming.

ITI 58 Taṇhā sutta - Craving

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, as I have heard:

“Bhikkhus, there are these three kinds of craving. What three? Craving for sensual pleasures, |craving for becoming::craving for existence, craving for something to be [bhavataṇhā]|, and |craving for non-becoming::A craving to end suffering through erasure of current experience or identity, e.g. “This self is unbearable; I want out.” [vibhavataṇhā]|. These, bhikkhus, are the three kinds of craving.”

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

“Fettered by the bond of craving,
with minds inflamed by lust for becoming and non-becoming;
Under the influence of |Māra::the ruler of the sensual realm, often depicted as a tempter who tries to obstruct beings from the path to liberation [māra]|'s snare,
these people find no security from bondage;
Sentient beings continue in |cyclic existence::wandering on, moving on continuously, passing from one state of existence to another, stream of existence [saṃsāra]|,
leading to birth and death.

But those who have given up craving,
free from desire for repeated existence;
They in this world have truly crossed over,
with the |wearing away of the taints::gradual exhaustion and elimination of the mental defilements or deep-seated afflictions such as sensual desire, craving for existence, views, and ignorance [āsava + khaya]|.”

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

Last updated on July 8, 2025

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