good root ［善根］ ( kushala-mūla;  zengon or zenkon): Also, root of goodness, root of merit, good act, good cause, or act of merit. A cause, or action, that produces a good effect or reward. Good acts are compared to the roots that nourish the plants and trees so that they bear flowers and fruit. In Buddhism, “good roots” are necessary for the attainment of Buddhahood. Greed, anger, and foolishness are called the three bad roots or the three poisons. In contrast, “no greed, no anger, and no foolishness” are called the three good roots.