The four knots of craving, ill-will, adherence to rules and observances, and clinging to the idea that 'This is the truth' are described in brief. The Noble Eightfold Path is the way to direct knowing, full understanding, complete exhaustion, and giving up of these knots.

Gantha sutta - Knot

“Bhikkhus, there are these four knots. What four? The knot of |craving::greediness, wanting, yearning [abhijjhā]|, the knot of |ill-will::aversion, anger, contempt, resentment [byāpāda]|, the knot of |adherence to rules and observances::clinging to precepts and practices [sīlabbataparāmāsa]| the knot of |clinging to the idea that ‘This is the truth’::dogmatic attachment to views [idaṃsaccābhinivesa]|. These are the four knots.

Bhikkhus, for the |direct knowing::experiential understanding [abhiññāya]|, |full understanding::complete comprehension [pariññāya]|, |complete exhaustion::gradual and complete wearing away [parikkhaya]|, and for |giving up::letting go, abandoning [pahāna]| of these four knots, the Noble Eightfold Path |should be developed::should be cultivated [bhāvetabba]|.”

Last updated on March 27, 2025

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