Grammatical Analysis
Uggahanimitta: [nt.] learning sign; acquired sign; grasped image. Formed by prefix ud (up) + root gah (to grasp, seize, take) + nimitta (sign). Meaning: the sign that has been perfectly memorized and taken up by the mind.
Orthodox Definition
The Uggahanimitta is the second stage of the meditation object’s evolution. It occurs when the practitioner has focused on the physical preparatory sign (parikammanimitta) for so long that an exact replica of it forms in the mind’s eye.
At this stage, the meditator can close their eyes, and the image of the clay disc (or the corpse, or the breath sensation) appears internally just as vividly as if their eyes were open.
The Visuddhimagga notes a critical diagnostic feature of the learning sign: it retains all the flaws of the original physical object. If the clay disc had a thumbprint, a crack, or a piece of grass stuck in it, the uggahanimitta will display that exact same thumbprint, crack, and grass. It proves that the mind has achieved a high degree of stability, but it has not yet reached the luminous purity required to suppress the hindrances fully.
Textual References
- Textual: Abhidhammattha-saṅgaha (Chapter IX) – Identifying the learning sign as the midpoint of meditative progress.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter IV) – Explaining that once the learning sign is acquired, the meditator can abandon the physical object and return to their hut to meditate purely on the mental image.