Pronunciation: [sˈɪtə] (IPA) 
The word "citta" is a Pali word that is often used in Buddhist philosophy. Its spelling may seem confusing to English speakers at first, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The "c" in "citta" is pronounced like the "ch" in "church," while the "i" is pronounced like the "ee" in "meet." The double "t" indicates a hard, sharp stop in the pronunciation. So, the correct pronunciation of "citta" would be "cheet-ta."
Citta is a Sanskrit term commonly used in Buddhist and Hindu philosophical traditions to refer to the mind, consciousness or the innermost essence of a being. The concept of citta is complex and has various interpretations, depending on the specific philosophical or religious tradition it is used in.
In Buddhism, citta is often described as the totality of mental processes and activities. It encompasses not only our thoughts and emotions but also our perceptions, volitions, and the underlying consciousness that allows these mental phenomena to arise. Citta is believed to be ever-changing and constantly influenced by various external and internal conditions.
In Hinduism, particularly in the Yoga philosophy of Patanjali, citta refers to the state of mind or consciousness. It is considered as a part of the Antahkarana, which encompasses the mind, intellect, ego, and consciousness. The goal of yoga is to attain a state of stilling and purifying the citta, which leads to liberation or enlightenment.
Overall, citta can be understood as the seat of our mental processes, encompassing our thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and consciousness. It is seen as an impermanent and interdependent aspect of our being that plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and understanding of reality. The understanding and cultivation of citta are often seen as essential for spiritual growth, self-realization, and the attainment of higher states of consciousness.
The word "citta" comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, the word is spelled as "citta" (चित्त) and it is derived from the root word "cit" which means "to perceive, to think, to understand, or to be conscious". The word "citta" has a range of meanings related to the mind, consciousness, and mental processes. It is commonly used in Hindu and Buddhist philosophical and psychological contexts.
