Citta (Hinduism, Buddhism)

Citta is the mind through which consciousness functions. It is like a screen on which the reflection of the cosmic Self is seen and through it the divine reflected. Through citta functions [buddhi]

, or discrimination, and the mind is helped to know and understand objects, for the buddhi illuminates citta. While buddhi is functioning through the mind it is not possible to know pure consciousness. When it is turned upon itself it illuminates its own nature, consciousness. In [samadhi]

, consciousness passes from one level of citta to another. When it has penetrated the deepest level of citta and transcended even this its true nature is realized - perceiver, perceived and perception itself are all one.