In Theravāda Buddhism, the cause of human existence and suffering is identified as craving, which carries with it the various <answer>defilements</answer>. These various <answer>defilements</answer> are traditionally summed up as greed, hatred and delusion. These are believed deeply rooted afflictions of the mind that create suffering and stress. To be free from suffering and stress, these <answer>defilements</answer> must be permanently uprooted through internal investigation, analyzing, experiencing, and understanding of the true nature of those <answer>defilements</answer> by using jhāna, a technique of the Noble Eightfold Path. It then leads the meditator to realize the Four Noble Truths, Enlightenment and Nibbāna. Nibbāna is the ultimate goal of Theravadins.
What does craving carry with it?
defilements