Buddha Abhidhamma - Ultimate Science - BuddhaNet

57
Now the five factors of jhàna are being developed slowly.
The initial application (vitakka) directs the mind towards the object
(earth-circle); it temporarily inhibits sloth and torpor. Sustained
application (vicàra) sustains the mind on the object by examining
the object again and again; it temporarily inhabits sceptical doubt
(vicikicchà).
Pãti develops joy or pleasurable interest in the object; it
temporarily inhibits illwill. Pãti is also a precursor of sukha
(pleasant feeling). Pãti creates an interest in the subject while
sukha enables one to enjoy the object. Sukha holds the mind to
stay longer on the object by its bliss; it temporarily drives away
restlessness and remorse.
Ekaggatà gathers the citta and its concomitants on the object
to reach the state of one-pointedness; it temporarily inhibits
sensual desire.
When the hindrances subside temporarily, the mind does not
wander away from the object as frequently as before and weak
degree of concentration is attained. At this stage one can see the
earth-circle with closed eyes as one has seen it with open eyes.
This visualised image is called uggaha-nimitta (acquired image).
Now one meditates on this acquired image with closed eyes,
saying mentally “pathavã, pathavã” as before. When one reaches
a higher degree of concentration, the image suddenly changes
its colour and appearance. It becomes many times brighter and
is as smooth as the surface of a mirror. The change is like taking
a mirror out of its rough leather case. This new image is also
known as pañibhàga-nimitta (counter-image).
The difference between the two images is very distinct.
Uggaha-nimitta is an exact mental replica of the original object;
it contains all the defects present in the original object. Pañibhàga-