Significance of Akusala cetasikas
Akusala cetasikas refers to the unwholesome mental factors that contribute to negative states of mind, influencing unwholesome actions. This concept encompasses fourteen specific mental factors, such as envy, conceit, and regrets, which arise alongside akusala citta or unwholesome consciousness. These factors, characterized by negativity and defilements like attachment and ignorance, contaminate the mind and can lead to harmful behaviors. Understanding akusala cetasikas is essential in recognizing and addressing the roots of negative thoughts and actions.
Synonyms: Negative mental states
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Buddhist concept of 'Akusala cetasikas'
Akusala cetasikas in Buddhism refers to unwholesome mental factors contributing to negative mind states, including conceit, envy, and ignorance. These factors contaminate consciousness and lead to unwholesome actions, promoting detrimental thoughts and behaviors.
From: Cetasikas
(1) Defilements which include attachment, wrong view, and ignorance, classified into different groups such as cankers, floods, and yokes.[1] (2) Mental factors that accompany akusala citta and contribute to unwholesome behavior, including moha, ahirika, anottappa, and uddhacca.[2] (3) Mental factors that can arise with akusala citta, particularly those associated with dosa-mula-citta, which include envy, stinginess, and regret.[3] (4) Cetasikas that promote unwholesome states of mind, such as sloth and torpor, and arise with akusala citta.[4] (5) A mental factor characterized by unwholesome qualities, particularly aversion in this context.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Unwholesome mental factors that contaminate the mind and are present in the stream of consciousness of everyone.[6] (2) Bad or unwholesome mental factors which contaminate our minds.[7]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Mental factors associated with unwholesome actions or states.[8] (2) The 14 unwholesome factors that accompany unwholesome actions leading to negative results.[9]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A mental factor that arises with akusala citta (unwholesome consciousness), associated with damage or negativity.[10]