Grammatical Analysis
Citta: [nt.] consciousness; mind; active thought. (See main entry for Citta).
Orthodox Definition
While Citta broadly refers to consciousness, in the specific context of the 37 wings to awakening, it designates the Third Base of Spiritual Power (Cittasamādhi-padhānasaṅkhāra).
When Citta operates as an iddhipāda, it means that the practitioner’s natural, dominant mental strength is neither sheer will (chanda), heroic physical energy (viriya), nor sharp analytical intellect (vīmaṃsā). Instead, their success is driven by an overwhelmingly powerful, concentrated, and unwavering focus of the mind itself.
The commentaries explain that a practitioner utilizing this base achieves absorption or insight simply because their consciousness is naturally so dense, heavy, and unshakeable that it locks onto the meditation object through pure mental mass. It is the power of absolute, uncompromising attentiveness.
Textual References
- Sutta: Iddhipāda-saṃyutta (SN 51) – Detailed breakdowns of how consciousness is developed into a base of power.
- Abhidhamma: Vibhaṅga (Iddhipādavibhaṅga).
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXII) – Tracking the specific dominant conditions (adhipati) that allow consciousness to drive the supramundane path.