In Buddhism, the term "cankers" (or "taints" or "defilements" in some translations) refers to the mental states and habits that cause suffering and prevent one from reaching enlightenment. The Buddha taught that there are three main cankers: sensual desire, ill will, and ignorance. Sensual desire refers to the craving and attachment to pleasure and material things. Ill will refers to negative emotions such as anger, hatred, and resentment. Ignorance refers to the lack of understanding of the true nature of reality and the self. These cankers are seen as the root causes of suffering and the cycle of rebirth. According to the Buddha, in order to reach enlightenment, one must purify the mind of these cankers by developing wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. This is achieved through following the Eightfold Path, which is the path to enlightenment outlined by the Buddha. The Eightfold path includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The practice of this path leads to the elimination of cankers and attainment of the state of Nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.