Abhidhammā Pitaka

Cittuppada Kanda

I. DIVISION ON MIND AND MENTAL CONCOMITANTS

(Cittuppada Kanda)

MERITORIOUS TRIAD

PART I

Categories of Meritorious Thought

Chapter I

Meritorious Thoughts Pertaining to the Sensuous Sphere

(1) First Category of Meritorious Thought Pertaining to the Sensuous Sphere

(i) Section on Definition of the Dhammā Factors

a. Exposition in Brief​

1. What are the meritorious dhammā?

When at a certain time a meritorious thought pertaining to the sensuous spehre arises, accompanied by pleasure and associated with knowledge, having as its object any sense object, such as a visible object, a sound, an odour, a taste, a tangible object, a mind-object, -- then at that time contact arises, sensation arises, perception arises, volition arises, thought (this thought is the same as the 'meritorious thought' first mentioned) arises, initial application of the mind arises, sustained application of the mind arises, delightful satisfaction arises, happiness arises, one-pointedness of the mind arises, the faculty of conviction arises, the faculty of endeavour arises, the faculty of mindfulness arises, the faculty of concentration arises, the faculty of wisdom arises, the faculty of mind arises, the faculty of mental pleasantness arises, the faculty of vitality arises, right view arises, right thinking arises, right effort arises, right mindfulness arises, right concentration arises, power of conviction arises, power of endeavour arises, power of mindfulness arises, power of concentraion arises, power of wisdom arises, power of being ashamed (to do evil) arises, power of fear (to do evil) arises, non-greed arises, non-hatred arises, non-bewilderment arises, non-covetousness arises, not having ill-will arises, right view arises, being ashamed (to do evil) arises, fear (to do evil) arises, serinity of mental concomitants arises, serinity of mind arises, quickness of mental concomitants arises, quickness of mind arises, malleability of mental concomitants arises, malleability of mind arises, preparedness (for good action) of mental concomitants arises, preparedness (for good action) of mind arises, soundness of mental concomitants arises, soundness of mind arises, rectitude of mental concomitants arises, recitude of mind arises, mindfulness arises, clear comprehension arises, tranquillity of mind arises, insight arises, endeavour arises, non-distraction (of concentration) arises.

At that time (in addition to the above), there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced. These are the meritorious dhammā.

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b. Detailed Exposition​

2. What at that time is contact?

That which at that time is contact, being in contact, full contact, contecting well -- this at that time is contact.

3. What at that time is sensation?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that feeling, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is sensation.

4. What at that time is perception?

That which at that time is perception born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that perception, the fact of perceiving, the state of perception -- this at that time is perception.

5. What at that time is volition?

That which at that time is volition born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that volition, effective volition, excercise of volition -- this at that time is volition.

6. What at that time is thought?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is thought.

7. What at that time is initial application of the mind?

That which at that time is mentation, initial applicatin of the mind, thinking, applying the mind to the object of thinking, effectively applying the mind to the object of thinking, focussing the mind on the object of thinking, right thinking -- this at that time is initial application of the mind.

8. What at that time is sustained application of the mind?

That which at that time is consideration, sustained application of the mind, repeated consideration, close examination, keeping the mind continuously connected with the object of thought, keeping the mind on the object as if continuously in view -- this at that time is sustained application of the mind.

9. What at that time is delightful satisfaction?

That which at the time is delightful satisfaction, delight, intense delight, profuse delight, freshness, superb freshness, satisfaction, exultation, self-satisfaction -- this at the time is delightful satisfaction.

10. What at that time is happiness?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is happiness.

11. What at that time is one-pointedness of mind?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is one-pointedness of mind.

12. What at that time is faculty of conviction?

That which at that time is conviction, being convinced, immersion in conviction, clarity of conviction, conviction as the faculty of conviction, power of conviction -- this at that time is faculty of conviction.

13. What at that time is faculty of endeavour?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavouring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, reslouteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, discharging the task well, endeavour as the faculty of endeavour, power of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is the faculty of endeavour.

14. What at that time is the faculty of mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfullness, mindfulness as the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is the faculty of mindfulness.

15. What at that time is the faculty of concentration?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is the faculty of concentration.

16. What at that time is the faculty of wisdom?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, inventigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observatoin (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like a light, wideom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is the faculty of wisdom.

17. What at that time is the faculty of mind?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is the faculty of mind.

18 What at that time is the faculty of mental pleasantness?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensaton of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is the faculty of mental pleasantness.

19. What at that time is the faculty of vitality?

That which at that time is the continuing force of those mental phenomena, their subsisting, their going on, their being kept going on, the fact of their existence, the cause of their existence, their perservation, vitality as the faculty of vitality -- this at that time is the faculty of vitality.

20. What at that time is right view?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowlege of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is right view.

21. What at that time is right thinking?

That which at that time is mentation, initial application of the mind, thinking, applying the mind to the object of thinking, effectively applying the mind to the object of thinking, focusing the mind on the object of thinking, right thinking -- this at that time is right thinking.

22. What at that time is right effort?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavoring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, resoluteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, discharging the task well, endeavoring as the faculty of endeavour, poewr of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is right effort.

23. What at that time is right mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfulness, mindfulness as the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is right mindfulness.

24. What at that time is right concentration?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is right concentration.

25. What at that time is the power of conviction?

That which at that time is conviction, being convinced, immersion in conviction, clarity of conviction, conviction as the faculty of conviction, power of conviction -- this at that time is the power of conviction.

26. What at tht time is the power of endeavour?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavouring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, resoluteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, dischargint the task well, endeavour as the faculty of endeavour, power of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is the power to endeavour.

27. What at that time is the power of mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfulness, mindfulness at the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is the power of mindfulness.

28. What at that time is the power of concentration?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is the power of concentration.

29. What at that time is the power of wisdom?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom the destroys defilement, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilement), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is the power of wisdom.

30. What at that time is the power of being ashamed (to do evil)?

That which at that time is being ashamed to do deeds the eveilness of which ought to cause shame, being ashamed to commit evil demeritorious deeds -- this at that time is the power of being ashamed (to do evil)?

31. What at that time is the power of fear (to do evil)?

That which at that time is being afraid to do deeds the evilness of which ought to arouse fear, being afraid to commit evil demeritorious deeds -- this at that time is the power of fear (to do evil).

32. What at that time is non-greed?

That which at that time is greedlessness, being desireless, being without desire, non-attachment, not having attachment, being without attachment, non-covetousness, non-greed which is the root of meritoriousness -- this at that time is non-greed.

33. What at that time is non-hatred?

That which at that time is non-hatred, hatelessness, being without hatred, absence of ill-will, being without ill-will, non-hatred which is the root of meritoriousness -- this at that time is non-hatred.

34. What at that time is non-bewilderment?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direction observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for descroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is non-bewilderment.

35. What at that time is non-covetousness?

That which at that time is greedlessness, being greedless, being without greed, non-attachment, not having attachment, being without attachment, non-covetousness, greedlessness which is the root of meritoriousness -- this at the time is non-covetousness.

36. What at that time is absence of ill-will?

That which at that time is absence of hatred, hatelessness, being without hatred, absence of ill-will, being without ill-will, hatelessness which is the root of meritoriousness -- this at that time is absence of ill-will.

37. What at that time is right view?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observatoin, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is right view.

38. What at that time is being ashamed (to do evil)?

That which at that time is being ashamed to do deeds the evilness of which ought to cause shame, being ashamed to commit evil demeritorious deeds -- this at that time is being ashamed (to do evil).

39. What at that time is the fear (to do evil)?

That which at that time is being afraid to do deeds the evilness of which ought to arouse fear, being afraid to commit evil demeritorious deeds -- this at that time is fear (to do evil).

40. What at that time is serenity of mental concomitants?

That which at that time is serenity, the state of being serene, tranquillity, calmness, the state of being tranquil, of the aggregates of sensation, of perception and of volitional activities -- this at that time is the serenity of mental concomitants.

(the serenity of mental concomitants: kayapassaddhi here and in the following paragraphs, the term 'kaya' means all the mental concomitants taken together)

41. What at that time is the serenity of mind?

That which at that time is serenity, the state of being serene, tranquillity, calmness, the state of being tranquil, of the aggregate of consciousness -- this at that time is the serinity of mind.

42. What at that time is the quickness of mental concomimtants?

That which at that time is quickness, the capacity to change fast, the absence of sluggishmess, non-rigidity, of the aggregates of sensation, of perception and of volitional activities -- this at that time is the quickness of mental concomitants.

43. What at that time is the quickness of mind?

That which at that time is quickness, the capacity to change fast, the absence of sluggishness, non-rigidity, of the aggregate of consciousness -- this at that time is the quickness of mind.

44. What at that time is the malleability of mental concomitants?

That which at that time is malleability, pliability, suppleness, non-stolidity, of the aggregates of sensation, of perception and of volitional activities -- this at that time is the malleability of mental concomitants.

45. What at that time is the malleability of mind?

That which at that time is malleability, pliability, suppleness, non-stolidity, of the aggregate of consciousness -- this at that time is the malleability of mind.

46. What at that time is the preparedness (for good action) of mental concomitants?

That which at that time is preparedness, workability, serviceability (for good action), of the aggregates of sensation, of perception and of volitional acvities -- this at that time is the preparedness (for good action) of mental concomitants.

47. What at that time is the preparedness (for good action) of mind?

That which at that time is preparedness, workability, serviceableness (for good action), of the aggregate of consciousness -- this at that time is the preparedness (for good action) of mind.

48. What at that time is the soundness of mental concomitants?

That which at that time is soundness, the state of being fit, the wholesomeness of the aggregates of sensation, of perception and of volitional activities -- this at that time is the soundness of mental concomitants.

49. What at that time is the soundness of mind?

That which at that time is soundness, the state of being fit, the wholesomeness of the aggregate of consciousness -- this at that time is the soundness of mind.

50. What at that time is the rectitude of mental concomitants?

That which at that time is straightforwardness, rectitude, uprightness, probity, straightness of the aggregates of sensation, of perception and of volitional activities -- this at that time is the rectitude of mental concomitants.

51. What at that time is the rectigude of mind?

That which at that time is straightforwardness, rectitude, uprightness, probity, straghtness, of the aggregates of consciousness -- this at that time is the rectitude of mind.

52. What at that time is mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfulness, mindfulness as the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is mindfulness.

53. What at that time is clear comprehension?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right ovservation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is clear comprehension.

54. What at that time is tranquility?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquility of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is tranquillity.

55. What at that time is insight?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficience, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is insight.

56. What at that time is endeavour?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavouring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, resoluteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, discharging the task well, endeavouring as the faculty of endeavour, power of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is endeavour.

57. What at that time is non-distraction?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is non-distraction.

At that time (in addition to the above) there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced. These are the meritorious dhammā.

END OF SECTION ON DEFINITIONS OF THE DHAMMĀ FACTORS

END OF THE FIRST PORTION FOR RECITATION.

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(ii) Section on Classified Enumeration of the
Items of the First Category of Meritorious
Thought Pertaining to the Sensuous Sphere

a. Exposition in Brief​

58. At that time ('At that time' here means the time the first meritorious thought pertaining to the sensuous sphere) four aggregates (khandhas) arise; two sense spheres (ayatanas) arise; two elements (dhatus) arise; three nutriments (aharas) (the three nutriments referred to here are incorporeal nutriments) arise; eight faculties (indriyas) arise; mental absorption (jhāna) with five factors arises; the Path (magga) with five constituents arises; seven powers arise; three causes (hetus) arise; contact as a single factor (phassa) arises; sensation as a single factor (vedana) arises; perception as a single factor (sañña) arises; volition as a single factor (cetana) arises; mind as a single factor (cittam - cittang) arises; one aggregate of sensation arises; one aggregate of perception arises; one aggregate of volitional activities arises; one aggregate of consciousness arises; one mind sphere arises; one faculty of mind arises; one mind-consciousness-element arises; the sphere of mental concomitants as a single factor (dhammāyatana) (dhammā here means mental concomitants - see paragraph 66) arises; the element of mental concomitants as a single factor (dhammādhatu) (dhammā here means mental concomitants - see para 120) arises.

At that time (in addition to the above), there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced. These are the meritorious dhammā.

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b. Detailed Exposition and Additional Explanation​

59. What at that time are the four aggregates?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception, the aggregate of volitional activities and the aggregate of consciousness are the four aggregates.

60. What at that time is the aggregate of sensation?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is the aggregate of sensation.

61. What at that time is the aggregate of perception?

That which at that time is perception, the fact of perceiving, the state of perception -- this at that time is the aggregate of perception.

62. What at that time is the aggregate of volitional activities?

At that time is contact, volition, initial application of mind, sustained application of mind, delightful satisfaction, one-pointedness of mind, faculty of conviction, faculty of endeavor, faculty of mindfulness, faculty of concentration, faculty of wisdom, faculty of vitality, right view, right thinking, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration, power of conviction, power of endeavour, power of mindfulness, power of concentration, power of wisdom, power of being ashamed (to do evil), power of fear (to do evil), non-greed, non-hatred, non-bewilderment, non-covetousness, not having ill-will, right view, being ashamed (to do evil), fear (to do evil), serenity of mental concomitants, serenity of mind, quickness of mental concomitants, quickness of mind, malleability of mental concomitants, malleability of mind, preparedness of mental concomitants (for good action) preparedness of mind (for good action), soundness of mental concomitants, soundness of mind, rectitude of mental concomitants, rectitude of mind, mindfulness, clear comprehension, concentration, insight, endeavor, non-distraction (arises).

At that time besides the above and apart from aggregates of sensation, perception and consciousness, there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced -- this at that time is the aggregate of volitional activities.

63. What at that time is the aggregate of consciousness?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (lit., heart - hadaya; it is the synonym of mind as it arises internally), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is the aggregate of consciousness.

These at that time are the four aggregates.

64. What at that time are the two sense-spheres?

Mind sphere and the sphere of mental concomitants are the two sense spheres.

65. What at that time is mind sphere?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (lit., heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, the aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is mind spehere.

66. What at that time is the sphere of mental concomitants?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception and the aggregate of volitional activities -- this at that time is the sphere of mental concomitants.

67. What at that time are the two elements?

Mind-consciousness-element and the element of mental concomitants (literally dhammā element: dhammā meaning aggregates of sensation, perception and volitional activities: as they are mental concomitants, dhammā dhatu is rendered here as the element of mental concomitants) are the two elements.

68. What at the time is mind-consciousness-element?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (lit., heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is mind-consciousness-element.

69. What at that time is the element of mental concomitants?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception and the aggregate of volitional activities -- this at that time is the element of mental concomitants.

These at that time are the two elements.

70. What at that time are the three nutriments?

The nutriment of contact, the nutriment of volition and the nutriment of consciousness are the three nutriments.

71. What at that time is the nutriment of contact?

That which at that time is contact, being in contact, full contact, the state of contacting well -- this at that time is the nutriment of contact.

72. What at that time is the nutriment of volition?

That which at that time is volition, effective volition, exercise of volition -- this at that time is the nutriment of volition.

73. What at that time is the nutriment of consciousness?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (lit., heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is the nutriment of consciousness.

These at that time are the three nutriments.

74. What at that time are the eight faculties?

Faculty of conviction, faculty of endeavour, faculty of mindfulness, faculty of concentration, faculty of wisdom, faculty of mind, faculty of mental pleasantness and faculty of vitality are the eight faculties.

75. What at that time is faculty of conviction?

That which at that time is conviction, being convinced, immersion in conviction, clarity of conviction, conviction as the faculty of conviction, power of conviction -- this at that time is faculty of conviction.

76. What at that time is faculty of endeavour?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavouring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, reslouteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, discharging the task well, endeavour as the faculty of endeavour, power of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is the faculty of endeavour.

77. What at that time is the faculty of mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfullness, mindfulness as the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is the faculty of mindfulness.

78. What at that time is the faculty of concentration?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is the faculty of concentration.

79. What at that time is the faculty of wisdom?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, inventigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observatoin (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like a light, wideom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is the faculty of wisdom.

80. What at that time is the faculty of mind?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is the faculty of mind.

81. What at that time is the faculty of mental pleasantness?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensaton of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is the faculty of mental pleasantness.

82. What at that time is the faculty of vitality?

That which at that time is the continuing force of those mental phenomena, their subsisting, their going on, their being kept going on, the fact of their existence, the cause of their existence, their perservation, vitality as the faculty of vitality -- this at that time is the faculty of vitality.

These at that time are the eight faculties.

83. What at that time is mental absorption (jhāna) with five factors?

Initial application of the mind, sustained application of the mind, delightful satisfaction, happiness and one-pointedness of mind are mental absorption with five factors.

84. What at that time is initial application of the mind?

That which at that time is mentation, initial applicatin of the mind, thinking, applying the mind to the object of thinking, effectively applying the mind to the object of thinking, focussing the mind on the object of thinking, right thinking -- this at that time is initial application of the mind.

85. What at that time is sustained application of the mind?

That which at that time is consideration, sustained application of the mind, repeated consideration, close examination, keeping the mind continuously connected with the object of thought, keeping the mind on the object as if continuously in view -- this at that time is sustained application of the mind.

86. What at that time is delightful satisfaction?

That which at the time is delightful satisfaction, delight, intense delight, profuse delight, freshness, superb freshness, satisfaction, exultation, self-satisfaction -- this at the time is delightful satisfaction.

87. What at that time is happiness?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is happiness.

88. What at that time is one-pointedness of mind?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is one-pointedness of mind.

This at that time is mental absoprtion with five factors.

89. What at that time is the Path with five constituents? (these five constituents of the Path are those which always arise together with meritorious thought in the sensuous sphere)

Right view, right thinking, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration are the Path with five constituents.

90. What at that time is right view?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowlege of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is right view.

91. What at that time is right thinking?

That which at that time is mentation, initial application of the mind, thinking, applying the mind to the object of thinking, effectively applying the mind to the object of thinking, focusing the mind on the object of thinking, right thinking -- this at that time is right thinking.

92. What at that time is right effort?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavoring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, resoluteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, discharging the task well, endeavoring as the faculty of endeavour, poewr of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is right effort.

93. What at that time is right mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfulness, mindfulness as the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is right mindfulness.

94. What at that time is right concentration?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is right concentration.

This at that time is the Path with five constituents.

95. What at that time are the seven powers?

Power of conviction, power of endeavour, power of mindfulness, power of concentration, power of wisdom, power of being ashamed (to do evil), power of fear (to do evil) are the seven powers.

96. What at that time is the power of conviction?

That which at that time is conviction, being convinced, immersion in conviction, clarity of conviction, conviction as the faculty of conviction, power of conviction -- this at that time is the power of conviction.

97. What at tht time is the power of endeavour?

That which at that time is mental endeavour, riddance of lethargy, exerting harder and harder, endeavouring higher and higher, striving, painstaking zeal, utmost exertion, steadfastness, resoluteness, unfaltering endeavour, having sustained desire to strive, not relinquishing the task, dischargint the task well, endeavour as the faculty of endeavour, power of endeavour, right effort -- this at that time is the power to endeavour.

98. What at that time is the power of mindfulness?

That which at that time is mindfulness, constant mindfulness, recollection, mindfulness which is remembering, bearing in mind, non-superficiality, non-forgetfulness, mindfulness at the faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness -- this at that time is the power of mindfulness.

99. What at that time is the power of concentration?

That which at that time is stability of mind, steadfastness of mind, absorbed steadfastness of mind, unshakableness, non-distraction, imperturbability, tranquillity of mind, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration -- this at that time is the power of concentration.

100. What at that time is the power of wisdom?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding, scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observatoin, direct observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom the destroys defilement, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for destroying defilement), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is the power of wisdom.

101. What at that time is the power of being ashamed (to do evil)?

That which at that time is being ashamed to do deeds the eveilness of which ought to cause shame, being ashamed to commit evil demeritorious deeds -- this at that time is the power of being ashamed (to do evil)?

102. What at that time is the power of fear (to do evil)?

That which at that time is being afraid to do deeds the evilness of which ought to arouse fear, being afraid to commit evil demeritorious deeds -- this at that time is the power of fear (to do evil).

These at that time are the seven powers.

103. What at that time are the three root-causes?

Non-greed, non-hatred and non-bewilderment are the three root-causes.

104. What at that time is non-greed?

That which at that time is greedlessness, being desireless, being without desire, non-attachment, not having attachment, being without attachment, non-covetousness, non-greed which is the root of meritoriousness -- this at that time is non-greed.

105. What at that time is non-hatred?

That which at that time is non-hatred, hatelessness, being without hatred, absence of ill-will, being without ill-will, non-hatred which is the root of meritoriousness -- this at that time is non-hatred.

106. What at that time is non-bewilderment?

That which at that time is wisdom, thorough understanding scrutiny (of impermanence, etc. of phenomena), comprehensive scrutiny, investigative knowledge of the dhammā (i.e., the Four Ariya Truths), right observation (of impermanence, etc.), close observation, direction observation, erudition, proficiency, refinement in knowledge, discriminative knowledge, reflection (on impermanence, etc.), comparative examination, breadth of knowledge, wisdom that destroys defilements, penetrative wisdom, insight, clear comprehension, wisdom like a guiding goad, wisdom as the faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, wisdom like a sword (for descroying defilements), wisdom like a tower, wisdom like light, wisdom like radiance, wisdom like a torch, wisdom like a jewel, non-bewilderment, investigative knowledge of the dhammā, right view -- this at that time is non-bewilderment.

These at that time are the three root-causes.

Detailed Exposition of Single Factors

107. What at that time is contact as a single factor?

That which at that time is contact, being in contact, full contact, contecting well -- this at that time is contact as a single factor.

108. What at that time is sensation as a single factor?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that feeling, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is sensation as a single factor.

109. What at that time is perception as a single factor?

That which at that time is perception born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that perception, the fact of perceiving, the state of perception -- this at that time is perception as a single factor.

110. What at that time is volition as a single factor?

That which at that time is volition born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that volition, effective volition, excercise of volition -- this at that time is volition as a single factor.

111. What at that time is thought as a single factor?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is thought as a single factor.

112. What at that time is the aggregate of sensation as a single factor?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is the aggregate of sensation as a single factor.

113. What at that time is the aggregate of perception as a single factor?

That which at that time is perception, the fact of perceiving, the state of perception -- this at that time is the aggregate of perception as a single factor.

114. What at that time is the aggregate of volitional activities as a single factor?

At that time is contact, volition, initial application of mind, sustained application of mind, delightful satisfaction, one-pointedness of mind, faculty of conviction, faculty of endeavor, faculty of mindfulness, faculty of concentration, faculty of wisdom, faculty of vitality, right view, right thinking, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration, power of conviction, power of endeavour, power of mindfulness, power of concentration, power of wisdom, power of being ashamed (to do evil), power of fear (to do evil), non-greed, non-hatred, non-bewilderment, non-covetousness, not having ill-will, right view, being ashamed (to do evil), fear (to do evil), serenity of mental concomitants, serenity of mind, quickness of mental concomitants, quickness of mind, malleability of mental concomitants, malleability of mind, preparedness of mental concomitants (for good action) preparedness of mind (for good action), soundness of mental concomitants, soundness of mind, rectitude of mental concomitants, rectitude of mind, mindfulness, clear comprehension, concentration, insight, endeavor, non-distraction (arises).

At that time besides the above and apart from aggregates of sensation, perception and consciousness, there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced -- this at that time is the aggregate of volitional activities as a single factor.

115. What at that time is the aggregate of consciousness as a single factor?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (lit., heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is the aggregate of consciousness as a single factor.

116. What at the time is the sphere of mind as a single factor?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the sphere of mind as a single factor.

117. What at the time is the faculty of mind as a single factor?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the faculty of mind as a single factor.

118. What at that time is the mind-consciousness-element as a single factor?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the mind-consciousness-element as a single factor.

119. What at that time is the sphere of mental concomitants as a single factor?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception and the aggregate of volitional activities -- this at that time is the sphere of mental concomitants as a single factor.

120. What at that time is the element of mental concomitants as a single factor?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception and the aggregate of volitional activities -- this at that time is the element of mental concomitants as a single factor.

At that time (in addition to the above), there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced. These are the meritorious dhammā.

END OF SECTION ON CLASSIFIED ENUMERATION OF ITEMS OF THE CATEGORY OF MERITORIOUS THOUGHT PERTAINING TO THE SENSUOUS SPHERE

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(iii) Section on Suññata, Voidness of Atta in the Dhammā​

(In this section, emphasis is laid on the fact that the dhammā which arises at the time of the arising of the meritorious thought are mental phenomena, consisting of mind and mental concomitants and nothing more. There is no entity of Self (atta) which can be identified with these phenomena. There is no being, person or individual apart from these dhammā)

(a) Exposition in Brief​

121. At that time dhammā arise, aggregates (khandas) arise, sense-spheres arise, elements arise, nutriments arise, faculties arise, mental absorption (jhāna) arises, the Path (leading to Nibbana) arises, powers arise, causes arise, contact arises, sensation arises, perception arises, volition arises, thought arises, aggregates of sensation arises, aggregate of perception arises, aggregate of volitional activities arises, aggregate of consciousness arises, mind-sphere arises, faculty of mind arises, mind-consciousness arises, the sphere of mental concomitants arises, the element of mental concomitants arises.

At that time (in addition to the above), there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced. These are the meritorious dhammā.

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b. Detailed Exposition​

122. What at that time are the dhammā that arise?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception, the aggregate of volitional activities -- these at that time are the dhammā that arise.

123. What at that time are the aggregates that arise?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception, the aggregate of volitional activities, the aggregate of consciousness -- these at that time are the aggregates that arise.

124. What at that time are the sense-spheres that arise?

The mind-sphere and the sphere of mental concomitants -- these at that time are the sense-spheres that arise.

125. What at that time are the elements that arise?

The mind-consciousness-element, and the element of mental concomitants -- these at that time are the elements that arise.

126. What at that time are the nutriments that arise?

The nutriment of contact, the nutriment of volition, the nutriment of consciousness -- these at that time are the nutriments that arise.

127. What at that time are the faculties that arise?

The faculty of conviction, the faculty of endeavour, the faculty of mindfulness, the faculty of concentration, the faculty of wisdom, the faculty of mind, the faculty of mental pleasantness, the faculty of vitality -- these at that time are the faculties that arise.

128. What at that time is mental absorption (jhāna) that arises?

Initial application of the mind, sustained application of mind, delightful satisfaction, bliss, one-pointedness of the mind -- this at that time is mental absorption (jhāna) that arises.

129. What at that time is the Path (leading to Nibbana) that arises?

Right view, right thinking, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration -- this at that time is the Path (leading to Nibbana) that arises.

130. What at that time are the powers that arise?

The power of conviction, the power of endeavour, the power of mindfulness, the power of concentration, the power of wisdom, the power of being ashamed (to do evil), the power of fear (to do evil) -- these at that time are the powers that arise.

131. What at that time are the causes that arise?

Non-greed, non-hatred and non-bewilderment -- these at that time are the causes that arise.

132. What at that time is the contact that arises?

That which at that time is contact, being in contact, full contact, contecting well -- this at that time is the contact that arises.

133. What at that time is the sensation that arises?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that feeling, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is the sensation that arises.

134. What at that time is the perception that arises?

That which at that time is perception born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that perception, the fact of perceiving, the state of perception -- this at that time is the perception that arises.

135. What at that time is the volition that arises?

That which at that time is volition born out of full contact with mind-consciousness-element appropriate to that volition, effective volition, excercise of volition -- this at that time is the volition that arises.

136. What at that time is the thought that arises?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the thought that arises.

137. What at that time is the aggregate of sensation that arises?

That which at that time is mental ease and happiness, sensation of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind, feeling of mental ease and happiness born out of full contact with mind -- this at that time is the aggregate of sensation that arises.

138. What at that time is the aggregate of perception that arises?

That which at that time is perception, the fact of perceiving, the state of perception -- this at that time is the aggregate of perception that arises.

139. What at that time is the aggregate of volitional activities that arises?

At that time is contact, volition, initial application of mind, sustained application of mind, delightful satisfaction, one-pointedness of mind, faculty of conviction, faculty of endeavor, faculty of mindfulness, faculty of concentration, faculty of wisdom, faculty of vitality, right view, right thinking, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration, power of conviction, power of endeavour, power of mindfulness, power of concentration, power of wisdom, power of being ashamed (to do evil), power of fear (to do evil), non-greed, non-hatred, non-bewilderment, non-covetousness, not having ill-will, right view, being ashamed (to do evil), fear (to do evil), serenity of mental concomitants, serenity of mind, quickness of mental concomitants, quickness of mind, malleability of mental concomitants, malleability of mind, preparedness of mental concomitants (for good action) preparedness of mind (for good action), soundness of mental concomitants, soundness of mind, rectitude of mental concomitants, rectitude of mind, mindfulness, clear comprehension, concentration, insight, endeavor, non-distraction (arises).

At that time besides the above and apart from aggregates of sensation, perception and consciousness, there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced -- this at that time is the aggregate of volitional activities that arises.

140. What at that time is the aggregate of consciousness that arises?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (lit., heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to those mental concomitants -- this at that time is the aggregate of consciousness that arises.

141. What at that time is the mind-sphere that arises?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the mind-sphere that arises.

142. What at that time is the faculty of mind that arises?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the faculty of mind that arises.

143. What at that time is the mind-consciousness-element that arises?

That which at that time is thought, cognition, knowing, mind (literally, heart), purity, mind as the sphere of mind, faculty of mind, consciousness, aggregate of consciousness, mind-consciousness-element appropriate to these mental concomitants -- this at that time is the mind-consciousness-element that arises.

144. What at that time is the sphere of mental concomitants that arises?

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception and the aggregate of volitional activities -- this at that time is the sphere of mental concomitants that arises.

The aggregate of sensation, the aggregate of perception, the aggregate of volitional activities -- this at that time is the element of mental concomitants that arises.

At that time (in addition to the above), there are other incorporeal dhammā which are causally produced. These are the meritorious dhammā.

END OF THE FIRST CATEGORY OF MERITORIOUS THOUGHT PERTAINING TO THE SENSUOUS SPHERE

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END OF THIS EXCERPT OF THE ABHIDHAMMA PITAKA, THE DHAMMASANGANI​

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