Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

by Ashin Janakabhivamsa | 66,666 words

English translation of "Abhidhamma in Daily Life" by Professor Ko Lay. Revised by Sayadaw U Silananda, International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon, 1999...

Factor 12-13 - Thina and middha (sloth and torpor)

Thina means sluggishness of mind and body, and middha means torpor or dullness of mind and body. These two mental factors arise together. They deprive one of zeal and vitality, inducing laziness as can be seen in a person about to fall asleep or in one dozing off while listening to a sermon.

But not every sleepiness is thina-middha. Some times, due to overwork and bodily weariness, one becomes sleepy. Even an Arahant may feel sleepy, just as a plant wilts and shrivels under the burning heat of the sun.

Note that only the sluggishness, inertia and torpidity of citta and cetasikas in various activities are described as thina-middha. Nowadays, those who are lazy and unwilling to work are said to be under the influence of thina-middha.

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