Analysis (Buddhism)

Sustained mental application upon the same object with a view to investigation keeps the mind continually engaged in the exercise and eliminates doubt.

In Tibetan Buddhism, analysis refers to fine discrimination with respect to the entity or name of an object, and is virtuous, non-virtuous or neutral depending upon motivation and object of analysis. Virtuous generates pleasant effects and leads to abiding in contact with happiness. Non-virtuous generates unpleasant effects and leads to not abiding in contact with happiness.

In Hinayana Buddhism, it is said that once the mind has been directed onto its object by applied thought, like the striking of a bell, it is held there by sustained thought which keeps consciousness anchored and is compared to the ringing of the bell. Applied thought and sustained thought are not always considered separately.

In Hinduism, the process of discrimination - [vicara]

- is necessary for liberation, the highest form being reflection on the mistaken identification of the immortal [Atman]

with the mortal [jiva]

. There are three levels of this experience: [sravana]

, hearing or reading and learning the scriptures; [manana]

, critical reflection on the truth of what one has heard or read; [nididhyasana]

, direct realization of the truth - [para vidya]

- through meditation on what one has heard and reflected on.

One of the four changeable factors referred to in Tibetan Buddhism. These may be virtuous, non-virtuous or neutral depending on circumstances. One of the formations aggregate (mental coefficients) of Hinayana Buddhism, being listed among the constant states which appear in their true nature, and as general secondary (sometimes present in any consciousness). One of the five constituent factors of jhana.