Nimitta
Element of object recognition in Buddhist psychology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Buddhism a Nimitta is a sign or mark by which objects are recognized.[1] It refers to a general and relatively persistent[2] characteristic in contrast to secondary characteristics. [3] The apprehending of signs enables perception of objects and feeling tones, reinforcing ignorance and leading to suffering.
In addition, the word nimitta is used in Buddhist scriptures to refer to a causal ground (ex. to criticize someone), an auspicious sign or omen, or an outer appearance (ex. a reflection).
Animitta
In Theravada
In Theravada commentary such as the Visuddhimagga, nimitta refers to mental images that arise during meditation. These images start unstable and vague (uggaha-nimitta) and grow progressively more vivid and stable as the meditator becomes more advanced. It is believed that when sufficiently stable (patibhāga-nimitta), the state of "access samadhi" is attained[4] and cultivating the image will lead to Jhana.[5]
It has been noted that earlier commentary such as the Vimuttimagga placed less emphasis on such visual nimitta than contemporary Theravada.[6]
Nimitta in Theravada commentary can also refer to states of mind on the death bed based on past karma or believed to foretell the dying's future destiny.
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