Cittacaitta, Citta-caitta: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Cittacaitta means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Alternative spellings of this word include Chittachaitta.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Cittacaitta in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Cittacaitta (चित्तचैत्त) refers to the “mind and mental events” according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLIX. Accordingly, “the mind and mental events (cittacaitta), when they arise from retribution (vipākaja), arise from five causes [kāraṇahetu, sahabhūhetu, sabhāgahetu, saṃprayuktakahetu and vipākahetu]. Being non-defiled-indeterminate (anivṛtavyākṛta) and not being afflicted (akliṣṭa), they exclude the universal cause (sarvatragahetu)”.

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Cittacaitta (चित्तचैत्त) refers to the “contents of thought”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] The Bodhisattva Gaganagañja then sustained the jewel-canopy of ten thousand yojanas high over the Lord’s lion throne in the sky, joined the palms of his hands, saluted, and praised the Lord with these suitable verses: ‘[...] (4) You understand the thought and the contents of thought (cittacaitta) of all living beings, know the essential character of mind (citta) and the stream of thought (cittadhārā) which are like an illusion (māyā), and your mind does not depend on thought, mind, or consciousness. [...]”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

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