Common Fallacies Regarding the Second Noble Truth

The Second Noble Truth of Buddhism, which identifies the origin of suffering (dukkha), is often misunderstood. Many assume that the Buddha taught that “desire” itself is the root cause of suffering. However, a closer reading of the texts reveals a more nuanced explanation centered around tanhā, commonly translated as “craving.”

1. Craving, Not Desire

The Buddha did not teach that all forms of desire cause suffering. Rather, he identified tanhā, a specific kind of desire that refuses to let go, as the root cause. This craving arises from our attempt to cling to things in a world marked by impermanence (anicca). Everything in life is fleeting — possessions, relationships, even our physical bodies. When we try to hold on to these transient phenomena, we create suffering for ourselves. For instance, the pain of losing a loved one stems not from the love itself but from our attachment and refusal to accept the impermanence of life.

2. Three Types of Craving

The Buddha categorized tanhā into three types, highlighting that craving goes beyond sensual pleasures:

• Craving for sensual pleasures (kāma-tanhā): The desire for physical and sensory gratification.
• Craving for existence (bhava-tanhā): The desire for…