Papanca Mind

In the Theravada tradition, papanca mind refers to proliferation of thought or reactions, or the expansion of thoughts, reactions, and diffuseness. While papanca is neutral (impersonal), its effect on us is unwholesome. Therefore, we can choose to recognize it, and when there is the chance to move away from it, do so. There are three causes of papanca mind: ditthi or wrong view, desire, and manna or comparing mind.