Grammatical Analysis
Animitta: [adj./nt.] Signless; markless; devoid of perceptual signs. Formed by negative prefix a (not, without) + nimitta (sign, mark, characteristic).
Orthodox Definition
Animitta operates as one of the three Gateways to Liberation (vimokkha-mukha), intimately connected to the contemplation of impermanence (anicca).
When an unawakened mind perceives reality, it naturally seizes upon the “signs” of permanence, beauty, or solidity (nimitta-gāhī). Through deep insight into impermanence, the meditator sees the constant dissolution of phenomena and removes the “sign” of continuity and stability.
When the supramundane Path (maggañāṇa) is reached specifically through the contemplation of impermanence, the realization is called the “Signless Liberation” (animitta-vimokkha). The mind breaks through into Nibbāna, which is itself the ultimate Animitta-dhātu—an unconditioned reality entirely devoid of the signs of formations.
Textual References
- Sutta: Animitta Sutta (SN 40.9) – Describing the signless concentration of mind (animitta-cetosamādhi).
- Canonical: Paṭisambhidāmagga – Structural definitions of the three liberations.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXI) – Explaining how the perception of impermanence leads to the signless gateway.