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Significance of Ekacitta

In Mahayana Buddhism, Ekacitta is described as single-mindedness, which is an essential quality that fosters greater happiness and inner peace. This concept emphasizes the importance of focusing one's thoughts and intentions to achieve a state of tranquility and fulfillment. By cultivating Ekacitta, individuals can align their mental and emotional states, leading to a more serene and contented life.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ekacitta'

Buddhism Books

Ekacitta in Buddhism embodies the concept of single-mindedness, which fosters enhanced happiness and inner peace. By cultivating this focused state of mind, practitioners can achieve deeper spiritual fulfillment and serenity.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) It is a term for one citta, and this is when there is only one support (arammana) which is that of “knowing� which does not associate with anything else at all.[1] (2) This phrase describes the state of being just within the heart itself alone without there being anything else to form a duality, as the citta integrates into a state of calm.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Single-mindedness that leads to greater happiness and inner peace.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.