Avidyā (Sanskrit: अविद्या; Pāli: Avijjā), meaning “ignorance” or “delusion,” is a fundamental concept in Buddhist Philosophy that refers to the misunderstanding or lack of knowledge about the true nature of reality. It is considered the root cause of suffering (दुःख Duḥkha) and the primary obstacle to enlightenment in both Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions.
In Buddhist teachings, avidyā is not simply the absence of knowledge but a deeply ingrained misperception of the nature of existence. Specifically, it refers to the mistaken belief in a permanent, independent ego (अहंकार Ahaṃkāra) and the inherent existence of phenomena. This ignorance leads beings to cling to false views of the world, giving rise to craving (तृष्णा Tanhā), attachment, and aversion, which fuel the cycle of संसार Saṃsāra—the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Avidyā plays a central role in the doctrine of dependent origination (प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाद Pratītyasamutpāda), which describes the chain of causation that leads to suffering. In this framework, avidyā is the first link in the twelvefold chain, leading to the arising of karmic formations (सङ्खार Sankhāra), consciousness, and ultimately to birth, aging, and death. Without avidyā, the entire cycle of suffering cannot occur, making the removal of ignorance essential for liberation (निर्वाण Nirvāṇa).
In practical terms, overcoming avidyā requires the cultivation of wisdom (प्रज्ञा Prajñā ), particularly the insight into impermanence (अनिच्चा Anicca), suffering (दुःख Duḥkha), and non-self (अनत्त Anatta). Through meditation, ethical conduct, and deep reflection on the nature of reality, practitioners aim to dissolve the delusions created by avidyā, seeing clearly the interdependent, empty nature of all things.
In Mahāyāna Buddhism, avidyā is also associated with the inability to perceive the ultimate truth of शून्यता Śūnyatā (emptiness)—the understanding that all phenomena lack inherent existence and are empty of a separate, permanent self. This ignorance keeps beings trapped in dualistic thinking and prevents them from realizing the interconnectedness of all things.
Thus, the path to enlightenment is often described as a process of dispelling avidyā and replacing it with direct, experiential wisdom, leading to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of liberation.