Grammatical Analysis
Cetanā: [f.] volition; intention; will; choice. From root cit (to think, cognize, intentionally focus). Signifies the active mental factor that coordinates, drives, and shapes experience.
Orthodox Definition
In Theravāda Abhidhamma, cetanā is classified as one of the seven universal mental factors (sabbacittasādhāraṇa-cetasika), meaning it arises in every single flash of consciousness without exception.
Its specific characteristic is the exertion of willpower (cetayita-lakkhaṇa). Its primary psychological function is to marshal, coordinate, and urge the accompanying mental factors toward their respective target objects, acting like a chief agricultural supervisor organizing laborers to harvest a field.
Crucially, cetanā is the absolute operational engine of Kamma. As the Buddha stated in the Aṅguttara Nikāya: “Cetanāhaṃ, bhikkhave, kammaṃ vadāmi” (Intention, monks, is what I call kamma). The ethical quality of the cetanā (whether rooted in greed/hatred or non-greed/non-hatred) imprints a corresponding karmic potential upon the mental stream.
Textual References
- Sutta: Nibbedhika Sutta (AN 6.63) – The classic canonical source declaring intention to be the core definition of kamma.
- Abhidhamma: Dhammasaṅgaṇī (Analysis of the first wholesome consciousness).
- Commentary: Atthasālinī – Detailed technical breakdown of how volition acts as the architect of future rebirths.