Wisdom Insight Letter No. 237
Mind and Mind factors (Citta and Cetasika) 37: Manasikara (attention) 마음에 잡도리함1
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The seventh mental factor that always occurs is ‘manasikara’. This means ‘paying attention’ and can also be said to ‘catch the mind’.
‘Attention (manasikara)’ has the characteristic of driving related mental factors to the object and plays a role in binding them. Therefore, it faces the object and the object becomes its cause. It is included in the aggregate of sankhara (volition or mental activity) as it is like a charioteer who controls the mental factors and drives them to the object. It is a controller of the object because it directs the mind toward the object.
Even at this moment, the mind is present. Therefore, ‘manasikara (attention)’ is present. When we generally say ‘distraction’, it means that attention is distracted. It is not that ‘attention’ is absent. ‘Attention’ is always present with the mind. When there is excitement with a longing mind, the mind recognizes the object and ‘attention’ binds it together with other mental factors and sends it to the object.
Therefore, in order to know the object correctly, we must use ‘manasikara’ correctly. This is called ‘yoniso manasikara’ in Vipassana terminology.
When the five doors of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and body open, the mind that turns to the object arises first (the mind of turning to the five doors). At this time, ‘Manasikara’ plays its role. This is called the ‘controller of perception process in the five doors.’ When the sixth door, the door of the mind, opens, the mind that turns to the object is called the mind of turning to the consciousness door. This first mind arises, and then the minds of rapid action (javana) arise and form karma. This is called the ‘controller of rapid action.’
We are studying the mind of a moment, the mind that moves faster than a second or lightning. Abhidhamma explains this mind that arises in a moment in 16 stages. We know one mind as a lump, but from an atomic and quantum perspective, it is a phenomenon that occurs when many conditions and mental factors work together.
This principle, the practice of insight that observes the objects of matter and mind (nama rupa), can be seen theoretically in Abhidhamma. I will gradually introduce Abhidhamma from the perspective of practice.
To be continued…
May a good heart be developed through right awareness (Samma-Sati), right effort (Samma-Vayama), and moderation!
May you develop the wisdom insight through Vipassana!
with Metta,
Ayya Kosalla
at Brahma Viharas in California
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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu!