Doubt (Buddhism) [2]

This state mind is two-pointed with respect to seeing the truth, in particular the four noble truths and actions and the effect of actions. There is lack of engagement in virtues. It is a state of vicikitsa – perplexity – that without the wish to cure (thought). It is regarded as obstructing theory and harming attainments. It has the characteristic of doubt and of shifting mind. Its function is to waver or tremble; it manifests as indecision or taking several sides. The proximate cause is unwise attention.

One of the six root afflictions referred to in Tibetan Buddhism; also one of the seven tendencies or latent passions; also one of the five mental and moral hindrances which block insight and which must be overcome before it is possible to achieve the five jhana, stages of absorption; also one of the formations aggregate (mental coefficients) of Hinayana Buddhism, being listed among the constant states which appear in their true nature, and as unprofitable secondary (sometimes present in any unprofitable or unprofitable-resultant consciousness); also the second of the ten fetters of Hinayana Buddhism said to bind a being to samsara, the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.