<p><em>Kriya citta</em> is functional consciousness, meaning it performs a function without being karmically potent. In an arahant, it replaces kusala citta. An arahant does not create karma so their seemingly wholesome mind states are called <em>kriya</em> (functional). </p>

<p>Specifically, there are eight types of <em>sahetuka-kāmāvacara-kriyā-citta</em> - functional consciousness in the sensual sphere which have wholesome roots (non-greed, non-anger, non-delusion) and nine <em>sahetuka-kriyā--jhāna-citta</em> corresponding to the nine jhāna which also have wholesome roots. All of these arise only in arahants.</p>

<p>There are three additional <em>ahetuka-kriyā-citta</em> (rootless functional consciousness), one of which is the smile producing consciousness that occurs only to arahants. The other two are the adverting consciousnesses present in every mind process.</p>

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2020-02-17T10:34:04.183Z
So only for an arahant then? Kriya citta does not arise to a monastic?
4N4G4M1N
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2020-02-17T10:35:16.057Z
The last two types mentioned occur in everyone, the rest only occur in arahants (including buddhas and private buddhas).
yuttadhammo
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2020-02-17T10:32:31.940Z
2020-02-17T10:34:05.983Z
2020-02-17T10:34:05.983Z
yuttadhammo
<p>And to whom does it arise?
Also know as the Smile of the Arahant (hard to look On google)</p>

<p>Asking for a friend. Pass this on wont you?</p>

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2020-02-17T10:03:38.693Z
My guess is that it is some kind of conceit or wrong self view?
4N4G4M1N
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-02-17T10:33:08.460Z
Arahants have neither conceit nor wrong view
yuttadhammo
<arahant>
What is kriyacitta according to various Buddhist schools?
# What is kriyacitta according to various Buddhist schools?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-02-17)

And to whom does it arise?
Also know as the Smile of the Arahant (hard to look On google)

Asking for a friend. Pass this on wont you?

**Tags:** arahant

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: My guess is that it is some kind of conceit or wrong self view?  
> **username_1**: Arahants have neither conceit nor wrong view  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-02-17. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

*Kriya citta* is functional consciousness, meaning it performs a function without being karmically potent. In an arahant, it replaces kusala citta. An arahant does not create karma so their seemingly wholesome mind states are called *kriya* (functional).

Specifically, there are eight types of *sahetuka-kāmāvacara-kriyā-citta* - functional consciousness in the sensual sphere which have wholesome roots (non-greed, non-anger, non-delusion) and nine *sahetuka-kriyā--jhāna-citta* corresponding to the nine jhāna which also have wholesome roots. All of these arise only in arahants.

There are three additional *ahetuka-kriyā-citta* (rootless functional consciousness), one of which is the smile producing consciousness that occurs only to arahants. The other two are the adverting consciousnesses present in every mind process.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: So only for an arahant then? Kriya citta does not arise to a monastic?  
> **username_1**: The last two types mentioned occur in everyone, the rest only occur in arahants (including buddhas and private buddhas).  

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