A polyvalent term, it generally refers to the characteristic features of an object or image. Nimitta can refer to features of an object that attract the mind’s attention, engage with it more deeply, and develop emotional responses to it. Such marks or features are often considered to be ultimately false and deceptive. In a more positive sense nimitta can refer to the focus of meditation practice. The term applies to both external objects and visualized images that are used to deepen meditative concentration and absorption. Also translated here as “sign” and “feature.”

Can refer both to a physical mark or trait as well as to the data of perception.

See “sign.”

Can refer both to a physical mark or trait and to the data of perception.

Can refer both to a physical mark or trait, as well as the data of perception.

A polyvalent term, it generally refers to the characteristic features of an object or image. Nimitta can refer to features of an object that attract the mind’s attention, engage with it more deeply, and develop emotional responses to it. Such marks or features are often considered to be ultimately false and deceptive. In a more positive sense nimitta can refer to the focus of meditation practice. The term applies to both external objects and visualized images that are used to deepen meditative concentration and absorption. Also translated here as “mark” and “feature.”

Any imagined mark or feature of an object, the misperception of which serves as the basis of perception and the arising of coarse conceptuality. Also translated here as “mark.”

A causal sign is the projected reality that functions as the objective support of a cognitive state. It cannot be separated out from the cognitive state and to that extent may enjoy a modicum of conventional reality. To “practice with a causal sign” means to look at an apparent phenomenon within accepting that it has more reality than it actually does.

A causal sign is the projected reality that functions as the objective support of a cognitive state. It cannot be separated out from the cognitive state and to that extent may enjoy a modicum of conventional reality. To “practice with a causal sign” means to look at an apparent phenomenon within accepting that it has more reality than it actually does.

A sign or characteristic, which refers to the generic appearance of an object, in distinction to its secondary characteristics or anuvyañjana. Advertence toward the generic sign and secondary characteristics of an object furnishes the conception or nominal designation (Skt. saṃjñā) of that object, which may in turn generate clinging or rejection and ultimately lead to suffering.

Conceptual characteristics or reifications that lead to distraction and a false understanding of reality.

Literally “signs,” or attributes.

A mark or feature of an object which serves as the basis for its being generically named and thus conceptually categorized. A distinguishing mark is usually imagined rather than being a real attribute of the object, and perception that operates by identifying distinguishing marks is therefore what defines coarse conceptuality. In some contexts (particularly with respect to meditative concentration practices), nimitta can be translated as “mental image.” Also translated in this text as “sign.”

The mental object or image in an act of perception, an act that involves the creation of a false duality between the perceiver and what is perceived. It can be connected with the false perception of a self and combated by the application of the idea of nonself.

A polyvalent term, it generally refers to the characteristic features of an object or image. Nimitta can refer to features of an object that attract the mind’s attention, engage with it more deeply, and develop emotional responses to it. Such marks or features are often considered to be ultimately false and deceptive. In a more positive sense nimitta can refer to the focus of meditation practice. The term applies to both external objects and visualized images that are used to deepen meditative concentration and absorption. Also translated here as “sign” and “mark.”