KILESA AND ITS METAPHOR TO UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE BUDDHA’S WORDS

Abstract

Kilesa indicates to the contents of consciousness or factors of mind, it made all conscious behaviors generated from delusion driven. It also further is caused by satisfaction and dissatisfactory objects of mind, then called as greed and eversion forcing to act badly and rightly through body and speech. The Kilesa or defilements are classified into 3 levels;
1) latent dispositions intoxicate the consciousness, 2) hindrance or Nivarana causes mental defilements, and 3) rough defilement made immoral deeds. The said defilements function as mental acts, rising and falling apart with consciousness, being perceived through expressions, it never exists by itself, but experienced and proved by oneself to witness its existence. It also cannot be destroyed but only perfect mindfulness and awareness arises, defilement will lose its power to control the mind so the new world view and goal of life of Buddhists focus on mindfulness development every step of living.