Analytical Study of mind in Theravara Buddhist Scriptures
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Abstract
This research aimed to: 1) to study the concept of mind (citta) in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study the behaviors of mental qualities (cetasikas), and 3) to analyze the ethical values gained from the proper understanding on the concept of mind in Theravada Buddhism. This is a documentary research conducted by studying Tipiṭaka, commentaries and related documents. The research results were found as follows: 1) In Abhidhamma Piṭaka, Aṭṭhasālinī Aṭṭhakathã, Visuddhimagga, Abhidhammāvatāra, Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha, AbhidhammatthavibhāvinīTīkā, Paramatthadīpanī and ParamatTha- jotika texts, the 89 or 121 types of mind (citta) in details are expounded. All are named by its functions and occurred characteristics where they are obviously categorized as causal mind, resultant mind and neither causal nor resultant mind in a total of 4 levels, namely, (1) Preliminary level, (2) Middle level, (3) High level, and (4) Highest level. As regards the Suttanta Piṭaka, mind appeared only as Citta, Mano and Viññãṇa, but no number of minds was found. 2) The mind expresses good, bad or neutral behaviors due to the 52 mental qualities (cetasikas) which are the foundation of mental behaviors. 3) The mental develop-ment for achieving ethical values means the enhancement of the preliminary level of mind for calmness through sustaining the mental tranquility based on meditation exercise by which the sustainable mental happiness could be actualized.
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