Aphorisms

01.
According to the Buddha in the Abhidhamma, there are 89 cittas (types of consciousness). 81 of these are mundane cittas (lokiya cittas), which exhibit ordinary states of consciousness (or mind-moments) that are bound to the cycles of the world (samsara). The remaining 8 are Supramundane cittas (lokuttara cittas), which unlike mundane cittas, are highly refined, transcendent states of mind that have completely broken free from the cycles of worldly existence (samsara). 54 of the 81 mundane cittas are named sense-sphere cittas (kāmāvacara citta); these states of mind primarily roam with, experience and interact with the realm of the five physical senses and ordinary desires. Of the 54, 12 are Unwholesome Cittas, 18 are Rootless Cittas and 24 are Sense-Sphere beautiful cittas (12 + 18 + 24 = 54).  In the Abhidhamma, 27 of the 81 mundane cittas (those not Sense-Sphere cittas) are considered Sublime (mahaggata). The exhibit states of mind achieved during deep, exalted meditative absorption (jhana). They are split into two categories, namely Fine-Material-Sphere (Rupavacara Citta) and Immaterial Sphere (Arupavacara Citta). The Fine-Material-Sphere contains 15 cittas associated with the five form-based jhanas (5 wholesome, 5 resultant, 5 functional). Likewise, the Immaterial-Sphere Consciousness contains 12 cittas associated with the four formless jhanas (4 wholesome, 4, resultant, 4 functional). Both are called Sublime (Mahaggata; meaning ‘grown great’ or ‘exalted’); even though they are extremely peaceful, lofty and rise above ordinary sensory desires (temporarily suppressing defilements like greed and anger through sheer meditative focus), they are still categorized as Mundane (falling below Supramundane) because they do not take Nirvana as their object. Sustained achievement of these cittas leads to rebirth in higher Brahma realms, rather than liberation. Out of the 8 Supramundane cittas, 4 pertain to Path consciousness (magga citta), and 4 to Fruition Consciousness (phala cittas). Both contain four progressive levels of liberation: Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer), Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner), Anāgāmi (Non-returner) and finally Arahant (Perfected One).