Section outline
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Lesson 3.3.3 Vitakkasuttaṃ – Thoughts to Avoid and to Engage In
Vitakka in general means ‘thought, reflection’ and describes the thinking process from initial application of the thought-process to the rolling in respective threads of thoughts (vicāra). It also refers to mental pre-occupation and the application of concentration on a chosen object of meditation. When the Buddha speaks about vitakka he accentuates unceasing significance to remain aware of one’s thoughts and intentions. He stresses the ongoing need to avoid and abandon all thoughts that fall under the category of micchāsaṅkappo but to engage in those that can be categorised as sammāsaṅkappo. For those who want to realise the Four Noble Truths this is an essential prerequisite.