A Question About Defilements

“Reverend Sāriputta, they speak of this thing called ‘defilement’. *“Defilements” (āsava) are the fundamental “pollutions” or “corruptions” that darken awareness, trapping people in transmigration. In practical application, āsava can mean the “discharge” from a sore (AN 3.27:2.4). The Jain Tattvārthasūtra 6.1–2 defines āsrava as the influx of deeds; these pollute the pure soul. | Note that the Pali āsava represents two distinct words, which are homonyms in Pali but differentiated in Sanskrit. The word here is Sanskrit āsrava (or āśrava), whereas Sanskrit āsava means “intoxicant”, a sense found elsewhere in Pali (Bu Pc 51:2.1.4).What is defilement?”

“‘Āsavo, āsavo’ti, āvuso sāriputta, vuccati. Katamo nu kho, āvuso, āsavo”ti?

“Reverend Sāriputta, they speak of this thing called ‘defilement’. *“Defilements” (āsava) are the fundamental “pollutions” or “corruptions” that darken awareness, trapping people in transmigration. In practical application, āsava can mean the “discharge” from a sore (AN 3.27:2.4). The Jain Tattvārthasūtra 6.1–2 defines āsrava as the influx of deeds; these pollute the pure soul. | Note that the Pali āsava represents two distinct words, which are homonyms in Pali but differentiated in Sanskrit. The word here is Sanskrit āsrava (or āśrava), whereas Sanskrit āsava means “intoxicant”, a sense found elsewhere in Pali (Bu Pc 51:2.1.4).“‘Āsavo, āsavo’ti, āvuso sāriputta, vuccati. What is defilement?” Katamo nu kho, āvuso, āsavo”ti?

“Reverend, there are three defilements. The defilements of sensuality, desire to be reborn, and ignorance. These are the three defilements.”

“Tayo me, āvuso, āsavā. Kāmāsavo, bhavāsavo, avijjāsavo—ime kho, āvuso, tayo āsavā”ti.

“Reverend, there are three defilements. “Tayo me, āvuso, āsavā. The defilements of sensuality, desire to be reborn, and ignorance. Kāmāsavo, bhavāsavo, avijjāsavo—These are the three defilements.” ime kho, āvuso, tayo āsavā”ti.