द्वेष (Dveṣa) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Dvesa, often inadequately translated as hatred or aversion, is far more intricate than simple dislike. It represents one of the three root poisons—alongside ignorance (moha) and greed (lobha)—that bind beings to suffering within the cycle of rebirth in Buddhist philosophy. While sometimes equated with anger, dvesa encompasses a broader spectrum, from subtle irritation to intense malice. Its persistent presence in the mind obscures clarity and obstructs the path to liberation, making its understanding crucial, even if often misunderstood.
The earliest conceptualizations of dvesa appear in the foundational Buddhist texts, the Pali Canon, dating back to around the 1st century BCE. These early scriptures, believed to contain the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) from the 6th century BCE, meticulously catalogue the various mental afflictions that hinder spiritual progress. These texts emerged in a time of significant social and religious upheaval in ancient India, questioning established Vedic traditions and seeking deeper truths about the nature of existence—a backdrop against which the need to understand and overcome dvesa becomes particularly pertinent.
Over centuries, interpretations of dvesa have evolved through various Buddhist schools, each offering nuanced perspectives. The Abhidharma texts, for example, delve into the psychological intricacies of aversion, analyzing its underlying causes and manifestations. Figures like Nagarjuna, a prominent Mahayana philosopher of the 2nd century CE, further illuminated the emptiness (sunyata) of inherent existence, challenging the very foundation upon which aversion often rests. Consider the historical debates surrounding the precise distinctions between anger and aversion, or the therapeutic practices developed to diminish dvesa's grip—each reveals layers of understanding that invite further exploration.
Ultimately, dvesa's legacy extends beyond philosophical discourse into practical application. Contemporary mindfulness practices, rooted in Buddhist principles, offer tools for recognizing and transforming aversion in everyday life. The enduring question remains: can we truly eradicate dvesa, or is our relationship with aversion a more complex, constant negotiation?