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चित्त

Citta

Mind / Heart / Consciousness

intermediateMind & Consciousness (心識)

Grammar 語法

neuter noun (a-stem): from cinteti (to think)

Definition 釋義

Mind or consciousness — the knowing, experiencing aspect of the psyche. In Abhidhamma, citta is defined as that which 'thinks' or cognises an object (ārammaṇaṃ cintetī ti cittaṃ). There are 89 (or 121) types of citta catalogued in the Abhidhamma, classified by plane (kāmāvacara, rūpāvacara, arūpāvacara, lokuttara), quality (kusala, akusala, vipāka, kiriyā), and function. The bhavaṅga-citta is the 'life-continuum' — the resting state of consciousness between active cognitions.

Canonical Example 典籍例句

Dunnigahassa lahuno, yatthakāmanipātino, cittassa damatho sādhu.

Hard to hold down, fickle, alighting where it will — the taming of the mind is good.

Source: Dhammapada 35