Akusala (unwholesome mental factors)

Akusala-cetasika (unwholesome mental factors)

Akusala-cetasikas (unwholesome mental factors) are 14 immoral psychological concomitants in Buddhist Abhidhamma that arise alongside akusala-cittas. They cause negative karma and manifest as mental impurities (kilesa). The 14 factors are grouped by their root causes: delusion, greed, hatred, sloth, and doubt.

A. Sabba-akusala-sadharana (universal unwholesome mental factors)

Sabba-akusala-sadharana refers to the four universal unwholesome mental factors. In Buddhist Abhidhamma, these specific factors inevitably arise in every single unwholesome state of consciousness (citta).

1. Moha (치) translates to delusion, ignorance, or illusion. It represents a fundamental misunderstanding of reality and the true nature of things, preventing a clear understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation. Moha is one of the three poisons or root defilements in Buddhism, along with greed (lobha) and hatred (dosa), which are considered the source of suffering.

2. Ahirika(양심 없음) is a Buddhist term that translates to "shamelessness" or "lack of moral conscience". It refers to the mental absence of shame or disgust regarding physical, verbal, or mental misconduct, and is considered one of the root causes of unethical behavior.

3. Anottappa(수치심을 모르는것) refers to moral recklessness, shamelessness, or the absence of moral dread regarding the consequences of wrongful actions. It is the opposite of ottappa, which is the healthy fear or dread of doing evil. Together with ahirika (lack of moral conscience), it is considered an unwholesome mental factor.

4. Uddhacca(들뜸) refers to mental restlessness, agitation, or over-excitement. Described in early texts as "unstillness, like water whipped by the wind," it is a scattered state of mind that obstructs deep concentration and inner peace.

B. Lobha-tika

Lobha-tīkā typically refers to the analytical examination of attachment and its associated mental states as detailed in ancient Theravada commentaries (such as the Abhidhammattha Sangaha or Visuddhimagga). When consciousness is rooted in greed, it almost always arises alongside diṭṭhi (delusional or false views) and māna (conceit or self-pride).

5. Lobha(탐) refers to greed, attachment, or compulsive craving. It is one of the "Three Poisons"—along with aversion (dosa) and ignorance (moha)—that act as the root causes of all human suffering. Lobha drives an endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. Lobha can manifest as a craving for sensual pleasures, material possessions, or even attachment to one's own views. 

6. Miccha-ditthi(사견) translates to "view," "belief," or "opinion". It refers to a charged interpretation of reality that shapes one's actions, and the Buddha warned against becoming attached to speculative dogmas. Ditthi is divided into two primary categories: Samma Ditthi (Right View) and Miccha Ditthi (Wrong View).

7. Mana (자만) refers to a mental state of self-satisfaction, self-infatuation, or mental inflation, often characterized by excessive pride or vanity stemming from attachment to one's own good fortune or possessions. It is considered a defilement or unwholesome mental factor that hinders spiritual progress.

C. Dosa-catukka (Anger)

8. Dosa (진) refers to hatred, aversion, and anger. It is identified as one of the "Three Poisons" or unwholesome roots that keep beings trapped in the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

9. Issa(질투) translated as jealousy or envy, is a negative mental state characterized by agitation and an inability to bear the success of others while desiring wealth and honor for oneself. It is classified as a form of anger.

10. Macchariya(인색) translates to stinginess, miserliness, or avarice. It is a negative mental state characterized by an unwillingness to share possessions or resources with others, and a clinging to them. It is considered a hindrance to spiritual progress and a cause of suffering.

11. Kukkucca(후회) is characterized by brooding, regret, and sorrow about "what has and has not been done". In Abhidharma, it is categorized as an unwholesome mental factor that brings mental displeasure and obsessive worry.

D. Thina-duka

12. Thina(해태) refers to laziness or spiritual sloth, a mental factor that hinders spiritual practice. It's characterized by a lack of enthusiasm for virtuous activities and a tendency to indulge in unwholesome actions like procrastination.

13. Middha(혼침) refers to heedlessness, carelessness, or negligence. It is a state of mind where one is not fully present, mindful, or attentive to the consequences of their actions, potentially leading to negative karma and hindering spiritual progress. It's the opposite of appamāda (heedfulness or diligence).

E. Vicikiccha

14. Vicikiccha(의심) is the term for skeptical doubt, indecision, or perplexity. It is a state of being of two minds, which paralyzes your ability to take decisive action toward spiritual progress.