2002 Abhidhamma Jnr1 Part 2 Qn 4

Classify the cittas pertaining to sense-sphere (kamavacara) under the main headings and explain briefly their differences.

There are 54 Kamavacara cittas. In it, there are 12 Akusala Cittas (8 rooted in greed, 2 rooted in anger, 2 rooted in delusion). In it, there are 18 Ahetuka Cittas (7 Akusala Vipaka, 8 Kusala Vipaka, 3 Kriya). In it, there are 24 Sobhama Cittas (8 Kusala, 8 Vipaka, 8 Kriya).

Akusala ones are unwholesome and have evil roots of lobha, dosa and moha. Ahetukas are devoid of roots and do not carry any kammic results. Sobhanas are beautiful consciousness where they will reap good results. The resultant of the 12 Akusala cittas are found in the 7 Akusala Ahetukas cittas; while all the Kusala from the kamavacara, rupavacara and arupavacara resultants without roots can be found in the 8 Kusala ahetuka vipakas. Kriya cittas are only for Buddhas and Arahants to experience. The pancadvaravajana and the manodvaravajana can be experienced by worldings (including the first 3 stages of sainthoods) but the hasitupada citta is only experienced by Buddhas and Arahants.