In this book the citta is often referred to as the heart; the two are
synonymous. The heart forms the core within the body. It is the center,
the substance, the primary essence within the body. It is the basic foun-
dation. Conditions that arise from the citta, such as thoughts, arise there.
Goodness, evil, happiness, and suffering all come together in the heart.
There is a strong tendency to think that consciousness results
purely from complex interactions within the human brain, and that
when the brain dies, consciousness ceases. This mechanistic view is
wholly mistaken. While there is evidence that certain parts of the brain
can be identified with certain mental functions, that does not mean
that the brain produces consciousness. In essence, the brain is a com-
plex processing organ. It receives and processes incoming data impulses
that inform about feelings, memory, thoughts, and consciousness, but
it does not generate these mental functions; nor does it generate con-
scious awareness. That is entirely the province of the citta. (for a more
detailed discussion see Appendix II) (also see Glossary)
- When the citta (mind) gathers all of its outflowing currents into
one point, this is known as the citta ‘converging’. Under the power of
the kilesas, currents of consciousness flow from the citta into its vari-
ous manifestations (feelings, memory, thoughts, and consciousness) and
through them into the sense media (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and
tactile sensations). The practice of samãdhi meditation is a method for
concentrating these diverse currents into one focal point, thus center-
ing the citta into a condition of complete stillness and calm. This does
not mean that the mind is straining to concentrate on one point, but
rather that it is concentrated in the sense that everything has “come
together to center in one place.” In this way, the citta becomes fully
absorbed within itself. The resulting experience is a feeling of pure and
harmonious being that is so wondrous as to be indescribable.
- An uggaha nimitta is an image that arises spontaneously in the
course of meditation.
- A home-made umbrella that serves as a tent-like shelter when
suspended from the branch of a tree. A specially sewn sheet of cloth is
