Kusala vs. Akusala

In Buddhism, Kusala (Pali) or Kuśala (Sanskrit) refers to wholesome, skillful, or meritorious actions, thoughts, and states of mind. It is the opposite of Akusala, which signifies unwholesome, unskillful, or unmeritorious actions and states. Kusala actions lead to positive outcomes and contribute to a positive karmic cycle. 

Kusala

1. Sraddha -In Buddhism, shraddha (Sanskrit) or saddha (Pali) refers to faith, confidence, or trust. It is a crucial element in the Buddhist path, particularly in the early stages of practice. Shraddha is not blind faith, but rather a conviction that arises from understanding and experiencing the teachings. It serves as a foundation for cultivating wisdom and moving towards enlightenment. 

2. Hri (Sanskrit: hrīḥ; Pali: hiri) is a Sanskrit Buddhist term translated as "self-respect" or "conscientiousness". Pronounced /hriːh/. It is defined as the attitude of taking earnest care with regard to one's actions and refraining from non-virtuous actions. It is one of the virtuous mental factors within the Abhidharma teachings.

3. Apatrapya, in Buddhism, refers to a virtuous mental factor, often translated as decorum, shame, or consideration, which motivates individuals to avoid unwholesome actions out of concern for the disapproval of others. It is a sense of shame or embarrassment that prevents one from engaging in actions that would be considered wrong or inappropriate by those of good moral character. 

4. Alobha (Sanskrit, Pali) is a Buddhist term translated as "non-attachment" or "non-greed". It is defined as the absence of attachment or desire towards worldly things or worldly existence. It causes one to not engage in unwholesome actions. It is one of the virtuous mental factors within the Abhidharma teachings.

5. Advesha is a Buddhist term translated as "non-aggression" or "non-hatred". It is defined as the absence of an aggressive attitude towards someone or something that causes pain. It is one of the mental factors within the Abhidharma teachings.

6. Amoha in Buddhism signifies a root of wisdom and embodies non-delusion, serving as a foundational principle that underpins wise actions and insights, reflecting clarity and understanding free from confusion. Wisdom or knowledge that dispels ignorance and leads to right understanding.

7. Virya (Sanskrit) or Viriya (Pali) translates to energy, effort, diligence, or enthusiasm. It's a key concept encompassing the vital force and perseverance needed for spiritual progress. Virya is considered a perfection (paramita) in Mahayana Buddhism and one of the five spiritual faculties in Theravada Buddhism. It's the determination to overcome obstacles and maintain focus on personal and spiritual growth. 

8. Prasrabdhi often translated as pliancy, flexibility, or alertness, refers to a mental factor that is crucial for both meditation and virtuous activity. It represents the mind's ability to be pliable and responsive, free from stiffness or obstruction, and is considered a wholesome quality.

9. Appamāda: Alertness, attentiveness, carefulness, non-laxity, earnestness, Diligence, vigilance, is considered as the foundation of all advantageous progress.

10. Upeksha, also known as equanimity, is a core concept in Buddhism, signifying a balanced and detached state of mind, free from attachment and aversion. It is one of the four immeasurables (brahmaviharas) along with loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy. Upeksha isn't about indifference, but rather a state of non-reactivity and even-mindedness, allowing one to observe experiences without being overwhelmed by them. 

11. Ahimsa, meaning "non-harming" or "non-violence," is a fundamental principle in Buddhism, emphasizing compassion and the avoidance of harm to all living beings. It's closely linked to the concept of karuna (compassion) and is considered an essential aspect of ethical conduct (sila). Ahimsa guides Buddhist practitioners in their actions, thoughts, and intentions, promoting a way of life that minimizes harm and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with all living things. 

Now, Akusala

Akusala divides into two: klesa and upaklesa

Kleshas are mental states that cloud the mind, causing suffering and hindering spiritual progress. They are often described as afflictions, defilements, or disturbing emotions that obscure our perception of reality and lead to unwholesome actions. Essentially, they are the root causes of our discontent and dissatisfaction. 

1. Raga generally refers to lust, desire, or attachment. It's considered one of the three poisons (along with aversion and delusion) that hinder spiritual progress and liberation. Raga can manifest as a craving for sensual pleasures, material possessions, or even attachment to one's own views. 

2. Dvesha is a Buddhist and Hindu term that is translated as "hate, aversion".

3. Moha translates to delusion, ignorance, or illusion. It represents a fundamental misunderstanding of reality and the true nature of things, preventing a clear understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation. Moha is one of the three poisons or root defilements in Buddhism, along with greed (raga) and hatred (dvesha), which are considered the source of suffering.

4. Māna generally refers to conceit, pride, or arrogance. It is a mental state characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a tendency to compare oneself to others, often leading to feelings of superiority. This inflated sense of self can be a significant obstacle to spiritual progress and enlightenment. 

5. Mithyadrishti, refers to a wrong view or belief that leads to a distorted perception of reality. In Mahayana Buddhism, Mithyadrishti similarly describes misconceptions about time, self, and existence, contributing to ignorance.

6. Vicikitsa (Sanskrit; Pali: vicikicchā) refers to doubt or uncertainty, particularly about the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment. It is considered a hindrance to meditation and a mental defilement that obstructs spiritual progress. Overcoming Vicikitsa is crucial for developing wisdom and insight. 

 

Upakleśas (also spelled Upakilesa) refer to minor defilements or impurities of the mind, which hinder spiritual progress. They are considered less severe than the major defilements (kleshas) but still need to be overcome for liberation. 

1. Covetousness and Unrighteous greed(abhijjhā-visamalobha)

2. Krodha (분노 하는것) in Buddhism signifies anger, recognized as one of the ten significant defilements that trap the mind, highlighting its role in perpetuating mental afflictions and hindering spiritual progress.

3. Upanāha (한을 품는것) often translated as resentment, enmity, or vindictiveness, is a mental factor that hinders progress on the path to enlightenment. It's a form of holding onto anger and a refusal to forgive. 

4. Mrakśa (시치미를 떼는것) is a Buddhist term translated as "concealment" or "slyness-concealment". It is defined as concealing or covering up one's faults or uncommendable actions, from either oneself or others.

5. Pradāśa (폭언) is a Buddhist term translated as "spite" or "spitefulness". It is defined as an attitude based on fury/indignation (krodha) and resentment (upanāha) in which one is unable or unwilling to forgive; it causes one to utter harsh words.

6. Īrṣyā (질투) translated as jealousy or envy, is a negative mental state characterized by agitation and an inability to bear the success of others while desiring wealth and honor for oneself. It is classified as a form of anger (pratigha) within the Mahayana tradition. 

7. Macchariya (Pali) or mātsarya (Sanskrit) translates to stinginess 인색, miserliness, or avarice. It is a negative mental state characterized by an unwillingness to share possessions or resources with others, and a clinging to them. It is considered a hindrance to spiritual progress and a cause of suffering. 

8. Maya (Hypocrisy) primarily signifies illusion or the deceptive nature of reality, particularly concerning the material world. It represents the veil that obscures true understanding and leads to attachment and suffering.  

9. Satheyya (treachery, double-dealing)

10. Mada refers to a mental state of self-satisfaction, self-infatuation, or mental inflation, often characterized by excessive pride or vanity stemming from attachment to one's own good fortune or possessions. It is considered a defilement or unwholesome mental factor that hinders spiritual progress. 

11. Atimāna (Arrogance) refers to conceit or exaggerated pride, which is considered a defilement or hindrance to spiritual progress. It is a form of māna, which generally means pride or conceit, but atimāna specifically indicates an excessive and inflated sense of self. This excessive pride can lead to disrespect towards others and contribute to suffering. 

12. Makkha refers to a negative mental state characterized by ingratitude, an inability to recognize kindness, and a tendency to downplay or deny the good deeds of others. It is considered a form of dosa (aversion or hatred) and can hinder spiritual progress by fostering a sense of negativity and resentment. 

13. Pamāda (Pali) or pramāda (Sanskrit) generally refers to heedlessness, carelessness, or negligence. It is a state of mind where one is not fully present, mindful, or attentive to the consequences of their actions, potentially leading to negative karma and hindering spiritual progress. It's the opposite of appamāda (heedfulness or diligence). 

14. Sārambha (Pali; Sanskrit: Saṃrambha) refers to contentiousness, quarrelsomeness, or impetuosity, often involving anger and the potential for harm to others. 

15. Thambha in Buddhism, particularly in the context of Pali terms, refers to rigidity, hardness, or stiffness, and can be associated with mental factors like wrong views and conceit that create rigidity in the mind. It's also a characteristic of the mental body and consciousness that needs to be subsided for mental wellbeing. 

16. Viksepa is a Sanskrit term meaning distraction, mental wandering, or scattering. It is often used in Buddhist and Hindu philosophy, particularly in the context of yoga and meditation, to describe the mind's tendency to wander and be pulled away from a virtuous or focused objective. 

17. Anapatrapya (수치심을 모르는것) is a Buddhist term that is translated as "lack of propriety", "disregard", etc. In the Theravada tradition, anottappa is defined as the absence of dread on account of misconduct.

18. Styana (혼침) refers to sloth, lethargy, or mental dullness. It is considered a hindrance to spiritual practice, one of the ten "manifestly active defilements" (paryavasthana) that obstruct clear thinking and focus. Styana can manifest as a lack of energy, apathy, or a general feeling of heaviness that hinders progress on the path to enlightenment. 

19. Kausidya (해태) refers to laziness or spiritual sloth, a mental factor that hinders spiritual practice. It's characterized by a lack of enthusiasm for virtuous activities and a tendency to indulge in unwholesome actions like procrastination. Kausidya is considered a significant obstacle in both meditation practice and overall spiritual development. 

20. Incorrect asamprajnata would refer to a state that is mistaken for asamprajnata samadhi, but is not actually the true, unconditioned state.