Cittānupassanā —Eight Meditative-Qualitative Thoughts (Exercises 24-31 in Satipaṭṭhāna Practices) Reflections by Bhante Dr. Chandima
Cittānupassanā — Contemplation of the Thought (cont.) 3.10 Mahaggataṃ vā cittaṃ ‘mahaggataṃ cittan’ti pajānāti. He/she understands an expanded thought as “an expanded thought.” A mahaggata thought is uplifted, vast, and spacious—often associated with meditative absorptions, encompassing both material-sphere consciousness ( rūpāvacara ) and immaterial-sphere consciousness ( arūpāvacara ). 3.11 Amahaggataṃ vā cittaṃ ‘amahaggataṃ cittan’ti pajānāti. He/she understands an unexpanded thought as “an unexpanded thought.” An amahaggata thought is limited, small, and confined—characteristic of sensual-sphere thoughts ( kāmāvacara ). It lacks the uplift of deep concentration or the expansiveness of boundless qualities. Here, the practitioner simply recognizes a thought that remains ordinary, unrefined, or preoccupied with mundane concerns. 3.12 Sauttaraṃ vā cittaṃ ‘sauttaraṃ cittan’ti pajānāti. He/she understands a thought that has a hi...