Definitions

Question 1

The mind

Answer 1

The definition of the mind is something whose nature is empty like space, always lacking form, shape and colour, and whose function is to perceive or understand objects.

Question 2

Primary mind

Answer 2

The definition of primary mind is a cognizer that principally apprehends the mere entity of an object.

Question 3

Mental factor

Answer 3

The definition of mental factor is a cognizer that principally apprehends a particular attribute of an object.

Question 4

Feeling

Answer 4

The definition of feeling is a mental factor that functions to experience pleasant, unpleasant or neutral objects.

Question 5

Discrimination

Answer 5

The definition of discrimination is a mental factor that functions to apprehend the uncommon sign of an object.

Question 6

Intention

Answer 6

The definition of intention is a mental factor that functions to focus its primary mind on an object.

Question 7

Contact

Answer 7

The definition of contact is a mental factor that functions to perceive its object as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral.

Question 8

Attention

Answer 8

The definition of attention is a mental factor that functions to focus the mind on a particular attribute of an object.

Question 9

Aspiration

Answer 9

The definition of aspiration is a mental factor that focuses on a desired object and takes an interest in it.

Question 10

Firm apprehension

Answer 10

The definition of firm apprehension is a mental factor that makes its primary mind apprehend its object firmly.

Question 11

Mindfulness

Answer 11

The definition of mindfulness is a mental factor that functions not to forget the object realized by the primary mind.

Question 12

Concentration

Answer 12

The definition of concentration is a mental factor that makes its primary mind remain on its object single-pointedly.

Question 13

Wisdom

Answer 13

The definition of wisdom is a virtuous, intelligent mind that makes its primary mind realize a meaningful object.

Question 14

Faith

Answer 14

The definition of faith is a mental factor that functions principally to eliminate non-faith.

Question 15

Sense of shame

Answer 15

The definition of sense of shame is a mental factor that functions to avoid inappropriate actions for reasons that concern ourself.

Question 16

Consideration for others

Answer 16

The definition of consideration for others is a mental factor that functions to avoid inappropriate actions for reasons that concern others.

Question 17

Non-attachment

Answer 17

The definition of non-attachment is a mental factor that functions as the direct opponent of attachment.

Question 18

Non-hatred

Answer 18

The definition of non-hatred is a mental factor that functions as the direct opponent of hatred.

Question 19

Non-ignorance

Answer 19

The definition of non-ignorance is a mental factor that functions as the direct opponent of ignorance.

Question 20

Effort

Answer 20

The definition of effort is a mental factor that makes its primary mind delight in virtue.

Question 21

Mental suppleness

Answer 21

The definition of mental suppleness is a flexibility of mind induced by virtuous concentration.

Question 22

Conscientiousness

Answer 22

The definition of conscientiousness is a mental factor that, in dependence upon effort, cherishes what is virtuous and guards the mind from delusion and non-virtue.

Question 23

Equanimity

Answer 23

The definition of equanimity is a mental factor that functions to keep the primary mind free from mental sinking and mental excitement.

Question 24

Non-harmfulness

Answer 24

The definition of non-harmfulness is a mental factor that wishes sentient beings not to suffer.

Question 25

Virtue

Answer 25

The definition of virtue is a phenomenon that functions as a main cause of happiness.

Question 26

Non-virtue

Answer 26

The definition of non-virtue is a phenomenon that functions as a main cause of suffering.

Question 27

Delusion

Answer 27

The definition of delusion is a mental factor that arises from inappropriate attention and that functions to make the mind unpeaceful and uncontrolled.

Question 28

Desirous attachment

Answer 28

The definition of desirous attachment is a deluded mental factor that observes its contaminated object, regards it as a cause of happiness, and wishes for it.

Question 29

Anger

Answer 29

The definition of anger is a deluded mental factor that observes its contaminated object, exaggerates its bad qualities, considers it to be undesirable, and wishes to harm it.

Question 30

Deluded pride

Answer 30

The definition of deluded pride is a deluded mental factor that, through considering and exaggerating one’s own good qualities or possessions, feels arrogant.

Question 31

Ignorance

Answer 31

The definition of ignorance is a mental factor that is confused about the nature of an object and that functions to induce wrong awareness, doubt and other delusions.

Question 32

Deluded doubt

Answer 32

The definition of deluded doubt is a two-pointedness of mind that interferes with the attainment of liberation or enlightenment.

Question 33

Deluded view

Answer 33

The definition of deluded view is a view that functions to obstruct the attainment of liberation.

Question 34

View of the transitory collection

Answer 34

The definition of view of the transitory collection is a type of self-grasping of persons that grasps our own I as being an inherently existent I.

Question 35

Extreme view

Answer 35

The definition of extreme view is an exaggerated incorrect view.

Question 36

Holding false views as supreme

Answer 36

The definition of holding false views as supreme is a deluded view that believes our own or others’ incorrect views are supreme views.

Question 37

Holding wrong moral disciplines and conduct as supreme

Answer 37

The definition of holding wrong moral disciplines and conduct as supreme is a deluded view that holds any wrong moral discipline or conduct to be correct and considers it to be superior to other forms of moral discipline or conduct.

Question 38

Wrong view

Answer 38

The definition of wrong view is an intellectually-formed wrong awareness that denies the existence of an object that it is necessary to understand to attain liberation or enlightenment.

Question 39

Aggression

Answer 39

The definition of aggression is a deluded mental factor that is an increase of the root delusion anger that wishes to hurt or harm others physically or verbally.

Question 40

Resentment

Answer 40

The definition of resentment is a deluded mental factor that maintains the continuum of anger without forgetting it, and wishes to retaliate.

Question 41

Spite

Answer 41

The definition of spite is a deluded mental factor that, motivated by resentment or aggression, wishes to speak harshly.

Question 42

Jealousy

Answer 42

The definition of jealousy is a deluded mental factor that feels displeasure when observing others’ enjoyments, good qualities or good fortune.

Question 43

Miserliness

Answer 43

The definition of miserliness is a deluded mental factor that, motivated by desirous attachment, holds on to things tightly and does not want to part with them.

Question 44

Concealment

Answer 44

The definition of concealment is a deluded mental factor that, motivated by attachment to wealth or reputation, wishes to conceal our faults from others.

Question 45

Pretension

Answer 45

The definition of pretension is a deluded mental factor that, motivated by attachment to wealth or reputation, wishes to pretend that we possess qualities that we do not possess.

Question 46

Denial

Answer 46

The definition of denial is a deluded mental factor that does not wish to purify non-virtuous actions that we have committed or downfalls that we have incurred.

Question 47

Self-satisfaction

Answer 47

The definition of self-satisfaction is a deluded mental factor that observes our own physical beauty, wealth or other good qualities, and, being concerned only with these, has no interest in spiritual development.

Question 48

Harmfulness

Answer 48

The definition of harmfulness is a deluded mental factor that wishes other sentient beings to suffer.

Question 49

Shamelessness

Answer 49

The definition of shamelessness is a deluded mental factor that is the opposite of sense of shame.

Question 50

Inconsideration

Answer 50

The definition of inconsideration is a deluded mental factor that is the opposite of consideration for others.

Question 51

Dullness

Answer 51

The definition of dullness is a deluded mental factor that functions to make both the body and mind heavy and inflexible.

Question 52

Distraction

Answer 52

The definition of distraction is a deluded mental factor that wanders to any object of delusion.

Question 53

Mental excitement

Answer 53

The definition of mental excitement is a deluded mental factor that wanders to any object of attachment.

Question 54

Non-faith

Answer 54

The definition of non-faith is a deluded mental factor that is the opposite of faith.

Question 55

Laziness

Answer 55

The definition of laziness is a deluded mental factor that, motivated by attachment to worldly pleasures or worldly activities, dislikes virtuous activity.

Question 56

Non-conscientiousness

Answer 56

The definition of non-conscientiousness is a deluded mental factor that wishes to engage in non-virtuous actions without restraint.

Question 57

Deluded forgetfulness

Answer 57

The definition of deluded forgetfulness is a deluded mental factor that makes us forget a virtuous object.

Question 58

Non-alertness

Answer 58

The definition of non-alertness is a deluded mental factor that, being unable to distinguish faults from non-faults, causes us to develop faults.

Question 59

Sleep

Answer 59

The definition of sleep is a mental factor that is developed through dullness or its imprints and that functions to gather the sense awarenesses inwards.

Question 60

Regret

Answer 60

The definition of regret is a mental factor that feels remorse for actions done in the past.

Question 61

Investigation

Answer 61

The definition of investigation is a mental factor that examines an object to gain an understanding of its gross nature.

Question 62

Analysis

Answer 62

The definition of analysis is a mental factor that examines an object to gain an understanding of its subtle nature.