Grammatical Analysis
Manodhamma: [m.] Mental phenomenon; mental action. Formed by mano (mind, intellect) + dhamma (phenomenon, state). Often used synonymously with Manokamma (mental action).
Orthodox Definition
Manodhamma refers to volitional actions executed entirely within the mind, without breaking out into physical or verbal expression. The Buddha revolutionized Indian spiritual thought by declaring that manokamma is the most powerful and dangerous of the three doors of action.
There are three unwholesome mental kammas:
- Abhijjhā (Covetousness: looking at another’s property and intensely wishing “May this be mine”).
- Vyāpāda (Ill-will: harboring the wish for others to be harmed or destroyed).
- Micchādiṭṭhi (Wrong View: adopting nihilistic views that deny karma, rebirth, or the possibility of enlightenment).
A person can sit perfectly still in absolute silence, breaking no physical or verbal rules, yet generate enough unwholesome mental karma to warrant rebirth in hell.
Textual References
- Sutta: Upāli Sutta (MN 56) – The dramatic debate where the Buddha proves to the Jain follower Upāli that mental action is vastly more blameworthy and potent than bodily or verbal action.
- Canonical: Dhammapada (Verse 1 & 2) – “Mind precedes all mental states… If one speaks or acts with a wicked mind, suffering follows them…”