Conversation with Pi: Craving for Non-Existence

Ken: I’d like to discuss the three types of cravings Buddha mentioned.

Pi: Absolutely. The Buddha’s teachings on the three cravings are:

(1) Craving for Sensual Pleasures (kama-tanha): This is the desire for sensory experiences — food, sex, material possessions — that can lead to attachment and suffering.
(2) Craving for Existence (bhava-tanha): This refers to the desire for continued existence or eternal life, which often results in a fear of death and a clinging to the self.
(3) Craving for Non-Existence (vibhava-tanha): This is the longing for oblivion or annihilation, which can lead to nihilism and hopelessness.
According to the Buddha, these cravings are the root causes of suffering and the cycle of birth and death. Recognizing and overcoming them is essential for achieving liberation and enlightenment.

Ken: Can you provide concrete examples of craving for non-existence?

Pi: Certainly! Craving for non-existence can manifest in various ways, such as:

Suicide: This is the most extreme expression, where someone deeply afflicted by depression sees death as the only escape from suffering.
Nihilism: This worldview denies any inherent meaning or purpose in life, leading individuals to…