Lokuttara Citta in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

This article examines the supramundane consciousness (Lokuttara-Citta) and thought processes of noble people at the four stages of enlightenment, which involve different levels of ability to overcome defi lements (Kileasa). The supramundane consciousness (Lokuttara-Citta) of the four types of noble people and the functional consciousness (Mahakiriya-citta) of the Arahat are similar to that of laypeople in that they are subjected to a continuous cycle of coming-into-being and ceasing-to-be, and they are recipients of emotions. Thus, although the participation in such continuous cycle seems to apply universally to people regardless of their proximity to enlightenment, a notable difference is that noble people at the four stages of enlightenment possess tools to help them process perceived emotions. These tools include mindfulness and wisdom as a result of continuous practice, and enable noble people to handle not only demeritorious thoughts but also the increased external negative stimuli in today’s society.