The Three Poisons Café

The barista at the 3 Poisons Café says to a new customer, “I serve just 3 beverages—greed, hatred, and ignorance. Their effects are immediate and will help you to justify your beliefs and behavior.”

The customer replies, “I would like something that’s more socially ethical and healthy...and with soy milk please.”

Barista: “Well, in that case I must refer you to the 4 Virtues Cafe. They serve up love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. But you’re going to have to practice those virtues to keep them alive in your life. On the other hand, you don’t need to practice greed, hatred, and ignorance—they come easily to those who visit our café.”

Customer: “Ignorance sounds interesting, although I’m going to pass and head on over to the other café.”

Barista: “You still have to pay the cover charge before you leave.”

Customer: “What do you mean, ‘cover charge’?”

Barista: “It’s the price you pay when you’re attracted to greed, hatred, and ignorance.”

© 2018 Larry Cammarata, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Mindfulness Educator

Mindfulness Travels provides continuing education retreats to beautiful, inspiring places throughout the world with leaders in the fields of mindfulness-based psychology, process-based therapy, and mindful movement.