Good roots (Sanskrit: Kuśala-mūla) is a Buddhist term referring to the good or virtuous nature—basically the foundation for creating good deeds. Thoughts and actions that can grow goodness (Kuśala) are likened to tree roots (mūla), hence the name good roots. Sometimes people also call them virtuous roots or foundational virtues. According to the “Abhidharmakośa,” good roots are the basis for developing non-tainted wisdom when a practitioner reaches the stage of direct insight.
In Chinese Buddhism, terms like nature, disposition, and capacity—also called “roots”—all refer to good roots. They represent a being’s innate goodness and habits, like how a tree’s roots help it grow. Those with strong roots can understand the deep teachings of Buddha, keep their precepts firmly, and practice good deeds smoothly—these are called sharp roots. Those with weaker roots struggle to grasp the teachings, often break precepts, or have little inclination towards goodness—these are called dull or poor roots. Together, both are known as the “two roots.”
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