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What is Neutral?

samahitasamahita Veteran
in Buddhism Basics

Friends:

Which are the Kammically Neutral States?

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Cut Short:
Mental states, which are neither Advantageous (kusala), nor Disadvantageous (akusala),
are Neutral (avyakata), ethically indeterminable, and morally undefined as being neither
good nor bad, neither right nor wrong, and thus neither wholesome nor unwholesome ...

In Detail: Which states are neither Advantageous, nor Disadvantageous?

1: States that are RESULTING EFFECTS (vipaka) of prior actions (kamma) are themselves neutral:
There are states, which are the resulting effects of prior advantageous and disadvantageous states...
These states are either a feeling, a perception, a mental construction, or a moment of consciousness.
These resulting effects are neither advantageous, nor disadvantageous, but inherently neutral..

2: UNINTENTIONAL ACTION S (kiriya kamma) = inert and ineffective actions are neutral states:
There are mental states, which neither are advantageous, nor disadvantageous, nor are resultants.
These are unintentional inert actions, which does not cause any effects, or kammic accumulation.
These states are neither advantageous, nor disadvantageous, nor causes, nor effects, but neutral.
All actions of the Arahat are kiriya kamma = neutral states not causing any kammic accumulation.
Stepping on and killing an ant, while not having seen it, nor wished to harm it, is a neutral action.

3: All forms of PHYSICAL MATTER , MATERIALITY, also called FORM (rupa) are neutral states:
Mountains, trees, food, water, air, knives, weapons, and even atomic bombs are all neutral states.
It is the intention behind utilizing these dead and passive things, which can be either good or bad...

4: The state of NIBBANA is an undecided, indeterminate, undeterminable, and all neutral state:
This Unconditioned Element of Nibbana is a neutral state, which causes nothing, and as such
is neither advantageous, nor disadvantageous, neither a cause, nor an effect of anything else...

These are the neutral states , which are neither advantageous, nor disadvantageous..

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About the cause and effect of intentional states:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Resultants.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Seed_of_Good.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Creating_Future.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Clever_Action.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/kusala.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/What_is_Advantageous.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/What_is_Disadvantageous.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Accumulation_of_Advantage.htm

Source:
The Classification of States. Dhammasangani. The 1st of the 7 Abhidhamma Books.
http://store.pariyatti.org/Buddhist-Psychological-Ethics_p_1447.html

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What is Neutral?
 
Which are the Kammically Neutral States?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Neutral.htm

Victorious

Comments

  • SarahTSarahT Time ... space ... joy South Coast, UK Veteran

    I am intrigued that the state of nirvana (which I understand to be the same as nibbana) is considered to be neutral, to cause nothing? Wikipedia (yes, I know, everything on the internet has to be true!) tells me:

    Walpola Rahula states:
    He who has realized the Truth, Nirvāṇa, is the happiest being in the world. He is free from all ‘complexes’ and obsessions, the worries and troubles that torment others. His mental health is perfect. He does not repent the past, nor does he brood over the future. He lives fully in the present. Therefore he appreciates and enjoys things in the purest sense without self-projections. He is joyful, exultant, enjoying the pure life, his faculties pleased, free from anxiety, serene and peaceful.

    When I am in the presence of such a person, this appears to cause me relief from suffering??? Such people inspire me to follow my own journey, give me a reason to continue my own self-discipline.

    Grateful if anyone has any pearls of wisdom on this that they are willing to share.

  • lobsterlobster Crusty Veteran

    Neutrality is not a bland greyness but more like glass or transparency, allowing that which is present, Nirvana or Buddha Nature to become apparent . . . The Buddha Nature exhibits the positive qualities mentioned.

    Cittaanataman
  • SarahTSarahT Time ... space ... joy South Coast, UK Veteran

    Beautiful :) Thanks @lobster

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    First of all, Wikipedia is no longer the dud it used to be. Some educational establishments are now permitting research quotations from Wikipedia, PROVIDING it is supported by other similar research; the founders are constantly reviewing submission rules and guidelines, and Wiki has recently undergone a massive overhaul of its content and editing facilities.

    Secondly, the glass analogy is very good. I have a beautiful, clear window-pane in front of me.... spotted by bird-poo, a spiderweb, finger marks and rain trails.... Other than that. it's spotless....

  • CittaCitta Veteran

    Neutrality in this case is neither attraction nor aversion..its a positive state of equanimity. Of ease.

  • anatamananataman Who needs a title? Where am I? Veteran

    Does using the word 'positive' in front of the word 'equanimity' not upset the apple-cart... Just a thought!

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