Impulsion (Buddhism)

This occurs in the case of a large or vivid object (with a life of 14 conscious moments).

In the case of the "five-doors" (senses) then, immediately following determining, there are six or seven apperceptions or impulsions with respect to the object as determined. These may be among: the 8 profitable consciousnesses in the sense sphere; the 12 unprofitable consciousnesses in the sense sphere; the 9 (or 8 ?) indeterminate functional or inoperative consciousnesses in the sense sphere (arahants only).

In the case of the "mind-door", then the apperceptions or impulsions arise next to mind-door adverting. One source quotes the mind-consciousness element accompanied by equanimity arising in the indeterminate functional classification of the sense sphere. Another quotes the 29 (or 28) classes of apperceptional consciousness mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Beyond the change-of-lineage stage, there is impulsion or apperception caused by any of: the five profitable and the five functional or inoperative consciousnesses of the fine-material sphere; the four profitable and four functional or inoperative consciousnesses of the immaterial sphere; the four path (profitable) and four fruition (indeterminate, resultant) consciousnesses of the supramundane sphere.

In Hinayana Buddhism, this is the 12th mode of occurrence of consciousness in which the 89 kinds of consciousness proceed.