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________________ 84 Introduction necessitated detailed definitions of them but also an explaination of their relation to each other. The Atthasalini and the Visuddimagga offer good definitions of these dharmas but are rather laconic in dealing with their mutual relation. The latter task is more seriously taken up during the time of the Maha-vibhasha, and is carried further by the Kosakara in his Bhashya, as can be seen from the following discussion on the vitarka and vichara. In the Pali suttas the term vitakka is often used to denote a certain preoccupation of mind, a particular kind of thought, as for instance, kama-vitakka, vyapada-vitakka, vihimsavitakka (sensual, malign and cruel thought) and their oppo. sites : nekkhama, avyapada and avihimsa vitakka. In this particular sense the vitakka is a synonym of michchha-sankappa ('wrong thoughts or intentions') and samma-sankappa (right thoughts or intentions). In the formulas of jhana, the vitakka is often combined with vichara, where they mean respectively the initial and the sustained application of mind on the object. They are also said to provoke speech' suggesting thereby that every speech is preceded by a certain examination and judgment. In Atthasalini these two terms are explain ed at great length. The vitakka is described as uhana ('prescinding' of mind). It lifts the consciousness onto the object. By it the mind strikes at (ahanana) and around the object. Vichara is the discursive work of the mind upon or traversing (anusancharana) of the object. Threshing out (or contemplation--anumajjana) of the object is its characteristic. In the Milindapanha, vitakka is called appana ('application'). It is again called akotana (ʻknocking') and compared with the initial stroke on a drum. The vichara is compared to the after reverberation and continuous omission of sound. The commentators explain these two factors by the help of various similes. The vitakka is compared to the striking of a bell, the vichara is compared to the consequent reverberation. The vitakka is again compared to the flapping of the wings of a bird about 1 Vide Adv. p. 83, n. 1. 2 See Dhs A. III 198-201 3 Milinda, p 65
| SR No. | 004384 |
| Book Title | Abhidharmadipa with Vibhasaprabha Vrutti |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | P S Jaini |
| Publisher | Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute |
| Publication Year | 1977 |
| Total Pages | 660 |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari |
| File Size | 12 MB |