Illusion

In Buddhism, the term "moha" refers to the illusion or ignorance that veils the perception of reality. It is considered one of the three fundamental poisons, alongside greed (lobha) and aversion (dosa), which are the sources of suffering and the endless cycle of reincarnation (samsāra). Moha manifests as a state of confusion and delusion, preventing the mind from accurately perceiving the impermanent and interdependent nature of all phenomena, as well as the absence of an intrinsic, permanent self.

Overwhelmed by illusion, the individual is led to erroneous attachments and aversions, which in turn perpetuate suffering and ignorance. The Buddhist path, therefore, consists in dissipating this veil of moha through the practice of meditation, the development of wisdom (prajñā), and the understanding of the emptiness (śūnyatā) of all things. By overcoming illusion, the practitioner becomes capable of perceiving reality as it truly is, liberating themselves from the cycle of suffering, and progressing on the path to enlightenment.