The Characteristic of Dosa - Two types of citta rooted in dosa

When we study the Abhidhamma we learn that there are two types of dosa -mūla-citta; one of these is unprompted (asankhārika) and one is prompted (sasankhārika). Dosa is prompted  (sasankhārika)  when, for example, one becomes angry after having been reminded of the disagreeable actions of someone else. Dosa-mūla-cittas are always accompanied by domanassa (unpleasant feeling). There are two types of dosa-mūla-citta which are the following:

 

1. Accompanied by unpleasant feeling, arising with anger, unprompted

(Domanassa-sahagatam,  patigha-sampayuttam, asankhārikam ekam)

 

　

2.Accompanied by unpleasant feeling, arising with anger, prompted   

(Domanassa-sahagatam, patigha-sampayuttam, sasankhārikam ekam)

 

As we have seen, there are many degrees of dosa; it may be coarse or more

subtle. When dosa is coarse, it causes akusala kamma-patha (unwholesome

deeds) through body, speech or mind. Two kinds of akusala kamma-patha

through the body can be performed with dosa-mūla-citta: killing and

stealing. If we want less violence in the world we should try not to kill.

When we kill we accumulate a great deal of dosa. The monk's life is a life of

non-violence; he does not hurt any living being in the world. However, not

everyone is able to live like the monks. Defilements are anattā (not self); they

arise because of conditions. The purpose of the Buddha's teachings is not to

lay down rules which forbid people to commit ill deeds, but to help people to

develop the wisdom which eradicates defilements. There are precepts for

laypeople, but these are rules of training rather than commandments.

 

As regards stealing, this can either be performed with lobha-mūla-citta or with

dosa-mūla-citta. It is done with dosa-mūla-citta when there is the intention to

harm someone else. Doing damage to someone else's possessions is included

in this kamma-patha.