Nimitta
In Buddhism a Nimitta is a sign or mark by which objects are recognized.[1] It refers to a general and relatively persistent[2] characteristic in contrast to secondary characteristics. [3] The apprehending of signs enables perception of objects and feeling tones, reinforcing ignorance and leading to suffering.
In addition, the word nimitta is used in Buddhist scriptures to refer to a causal ground (ex. to criticize someone), an auspicious sign or omen, or an outer appearance (ex. a reflection).
Animitta
[edit]Animitta, or the absence of signs, is one of the Three Gates of Liberation and a form of samadhi in Buddhism along with emptiness and wishlessness.
Perceiving with the senses without apprehending signs is central to the practice of sense restraint.[3][2]
In Theravada
[edit]In Theravada commentary such as the Visuddhimagga, nimitta refers to mental images that arise during meditation. These images start unstable and vague (uggaha-nimitta) and grow progressively more vivid and stable as the mediator becomes more advanced. It is believed that when sufficiently stable (patibhāga-nimitta), the state of "access samadhi" is attained[4] and cultivating the image will lead to Jhana.[5]
It has been noted that earlier commentary such as the Vimuttimagga placed less emphasis on such visual nimitta than contemporary Theravada.[6]
Nimitta in Theravada commentary can also refer to states of mind on the death bead based on past karma or believed to foretell the dying's future destiny.
In Yogacara
[edit]In Yogacara philosophy, nimitta refers to the delusion that signs apprehended by the mind correspond to real objects outside the mind. Nimitta-bhaga refers to the conception of something that is seen, the counterpart to the delusion of a self who sees. [7]
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "SuttaCentral". SuttaCentral. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
- ^ a b Bikkhu Analayo (2023). The Signless and the Deathless. New York: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-1-61429-888-5.
- ^ a b Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald Sewell (2014). The Princeton dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton (N.J.): Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-15786-3.
- ^ Weearatne, W. G. (2006). Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Government of Sri Lanka.
- ^ Brahm, Ajahn (2013-03-18). "Stepping Towards Enlightenment". Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
- ^ Sona, Ajahn (2019). "The Mystery of the Breath Nimitta" (PDF). Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Xuanzang; Vasubandhu (2018). Xuanzang; Vasubandhu; Vasubandhu (eds.). Three texts on consciousness only: Taishō volume 31, numbers 1585, 1586, 1590. BDK English Tripiṭaka series. Translated by Cook, Francis H. (Second printing ed.). Moraga, California: BDK America, Inc. ISBN 978-1-886439-04-7.
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