Grammatical Analysis
Vicikicchāsaṃyojana: [nt.] The Fetter of Doubt. Formed by vicikicchā (skeptical doubt, perplexity) + saṃyojana (fetter, bond).
Orthodox Definition
Vicikicchāsaṃyojana is the second of the Ten Fetters, and like the first (Identity View) and third (Clinging to Rites), it is permanently annihilated at the moment of Stream-entry (Sotāpatti).
In Theravāda orthodoxy, this is not healthy, inquiring doubt or scientific skepticism. It is a paralyzing, skeptical indecision that prevents spiritual progress. Specifically, it is the inability to decide about eight things: the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Saṅgha, the training (sikkhā), the past, the future, both past and future, and Dependent Origination (paṭiccasamuppāda).
A Stream-enterer destroys this fetter because they have experientially seen the Unconditioned (Nibbāna). They no longer rely on blind faith (amūlikā saddhā); their confidence is now grounded in absolute, unshakeable vision (aveccappasāda). Therefore, a noble disciple can never again doubt the efficacy of the Buddha’s path.
Textual References
- Abhidhamma: Dhammasaṅgaṇī – Classifying doubt as an unwholesome mental factor specifically rooted in delusion (moha).
- Sutta: Saṃyojana Sutta (SN 45.179) – Listed among the lower fetters.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXII) – Explaining how the Path knowledge of Stream-entry acts as the absolute antidote to the darkness of doubt.