Significance of Sustained application
Sustained application in Theravada Buddhism, referred to as vicara, plays a crucial role in jhana meditation. It is a mental property that actively engages with the meditative object, helping maintain focus. However, this mental factor is not present in the Third and Fourth Jhana states. Ultimately, sustained application is essential for continuous review and attachment to the object, facilitating deeper meditation experiences.
Synonyms: Continuous effort
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Buddhist concept of 'Sustained application'
Sustained application in Buddhism involves the mental factor vicara, which ensures continuous focus on an object. It is relevant in jhana practice, although it is excluded in the deeper states of the Third and Fourth Jhana.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A refined mental aspect in meditation, encouraging prolonged focus on an object or concept.[1] (2) The process of maintaining focus on a meditative object, characteristic of several Jhanas.[2] (3) A mental factor involved in maintaining focus and attention on a chosen object during meditation, also excluded in certain higher Jhana states.[3] (4) A mental state appearing in sixty-six types of consciousness, combining initial application types with certain Jhana consciousness.[4] (5) A mental state that arises in sixty-six types of consciousness, including those of the first and the second Jhana consciousness.[5]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Sustained application is another mental state that coexist with consciousness conjoined with perplexity.[6] (2) A mental property termed vicara that takes part in the relation of jhana alone.[7] (3) Refers to vicara, which involves continuously reviewing the object, ensuring the mind remains attached to the object.[8]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Vicara, which ensures that citta remains focused on the object after initial application.[9] (2) Sustained application (vicara) is the jhana factor that involves maintaining attention on the meditation object after the initial application.[10]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Concentrating consistently on objects of interest.[11]