Public Dharma glossary
Cetanā
Pronunciation: chay-tuh-NAA
Canonical definition: The intentional dimension of action emphasized in early Buddhist discussions of kamma.
Morphological structure
From √cit, to perceive or intend: volition or intention.
Canonical usage
The intentional dimension of action emphasized in early Buddhist discussions of kamma.
Common misunderstanding
Intention matters greatly, but it is not the only condition shaping outcomes.
Practical significance
Examining intention turns karma into an immediate ethical practice.
Source anchor
AN 6.63
Continue with established sources
Further reading
Open complete translations and specialist reference material for deeper study.
- AN 6.63 · Penetrative
dhammatalks.org · Ṭhānissaro BhikkhuRead the wider discourse surrounding the teaching that intention is kamma.