Factors that bind one to rebirth in saṃsāra. See also “three fetters” and “five fetters” associated with the lower realms.

A set of ten concepts and emotional reactions that perpetuate one’s continued rebirth in saṃsāra: false attribution of a self based in relation to the aggregates (satkāyadṛṣṭi; ’jig tshogs la lta ba), doubt (vicikitsā; the tshom), privileging rituals and observances (śīla­vrata­parāmarśa; tshul khrims dang brtul zhugs mchog tu ’dzin pa), craving sense pleasures (kāmarāga; ’dod pa la ’dod chags), malice (vyāpāda; gnod sems), craving rebirth in the realm of subtle form (rūparāga; gzugs la chags pa), craving rebirth in the realm of the immaterial (arūpyarāga; gzugs med pa’i ’dod chags), pride (māna; nga rgyal), mental agitation (auddhatya; rgod pa), and ignorance (avidyā; ma rig pa).

Fetters binding one to saṃsāra; they come in groups of three (ignorance, hatred, and desire) or ten.

Synonym of emotional defilements, which lead beings to act negatively and prevent them from acting virtuously, hence keeping them fettered to suffering in their next lives.