The 6 Classes of Consciousness

Overview

Consciousness (Viññāṇa) is not a single, continuous, hovering entity. In Theravāda Abhidhamma, it is a rapid succession of discrete cognitive events. Consciousness only arises in dependence upon a specific sense base and a specific object. Therefore, it is categorized into six classes based on its origin.

The List

1. Cakkhuviññāṇa - Eye-consciousness: Arises dependent on the eye and visible forms.
2. Sotaviññāṇa - Ear-consciousness: Arises dependent on the ear and sounds.
3. Ghānaviññāṇa - Nose-consciousness: Arises dependent on the nose and odors.
4. Jivhāviññāṇa - Tongue-consciousness: Arises dependent on the tongue and tastes.
5. Kāyaviññāṇa - Body-consciousness: Arises dependent on the body and tangible objects.
6. Manoviññāṇa - Mind-consciousness: Arises dependent on the mind-base and mental objects.

Textual References

• Canonical: Chachakka Sutta (MN 148) – The Buddha masterfully deconstructs the illusion of self by demonstrating that since these six consciousnesses arise and pass away, they cannot be an enduring soul.