Particulars – Prakirnaka Chethasika

Universal mental states or Sabba Chiththa Sadharana Chethasikas which includes in every Chiththas were described in the previous episode. The second category of Annasamana Chethasika would feature with all Chiththas depending on the situation. They may or may not arise with a particular Chiththas at a certain instance. Therefore they are known as “Particular Mental States” or Prakirnaka Chethasikas. The six of them are;

8. Vithakka – Initial Application
9. Vichara – Sustained Application
10. Adhimokkha – Decision
11. Viriya – Effort
12. Prithi – Joy
13. Chandha – Conation

Recall Rupavachara Jhana Chiththas described in Chiththa Paramaththa. Three of the Chethasikas mentioned above (Vithakka, Vichara, Prithi) were included in those Chiththas, not in all five but in some. That is the best example to understand how Prakirnaka Chethasikas contain in Chiththas.

(8) Vithakka – Initial Application

Consciousness ascends to the object depending on Vithakka. While Manasikara direct the concomitants to the object Vithakka is the application of concomitants of the object. Vihtakka is not always required with Chiththas. For example once the consciousness is thoroughly enwrapped with the object, in a second instance Vithakka is not required for consciousness to ascend the object. That’s why in second Rupavachara Jhana, Vithakka is not present.

(9) Vichara – Sustained Application

 

Vichara is the continued exercise of the mind on the object. Examination the object which was ascended is its chief characteristic. The common example is that Vithakka is like a bee alighting into a flower and Vichara is the bee traversing and examining the flower.

(10) Adhimokkha – Decision

Adhimokkha is the mental state in the consciousness which decides about the object.

(11) Viriya – Effort

Viriya is the root of all achievements. It is the effort, exertion or the energy of a consciousness. Other concomitants are lifted, upholded, aided and supported by Viriya Chethasika. Viriya overcomes the idleness. There are many instances Viriya is mentioned in Buddhist Doctrine such as in “Five Powers” (Bala), “Four means of accomplishing one’s ends” (Sathara Irdhipadha), “Seven factors of Enlightment” (Saththa Bojjanga) and the “Right Effort” (Samma Vayama) in Noble Eight Fold Path. Not with every consciousness Viriya is present.

(12) Prithi – Joy

Prithi is the pleasurable interest which contains in some of the Chiththas such as first four of the Rupavachara Jhana Chiththas.

(13) Chanda – Conation

It is the likeness or wish-to-do state of mental state which may contain in a consciousness. This is three fold as;

1. Kamachchanda – sensual craving, one of five hindrances
2. Kattukamyata Chanda – the mere wish-to-do
3. Dhammachchanda – righteous wish which impelled Prince Sidhdhartha to renounce Royal pleasures.

As of their description it should be understood that not all Chiththas are necessary to contain the above Chethasikas. Depending on the situation and its application, above Chethasika would feature the Chiththas accordingly.

Thus end 13 types of Annasamana Chethasikas.