Looking for Definition

Does anyonehave an exact definition of sentience? I would prefer to have a definition with a reference so I can quote it :airquote:

Thanks!

The etymology of the word 'sentient' is:

"capable of feeling," from L. sentientem (nom. sentiens) "feeling," prp. of sentire "to feel".

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=sentient&searchmode=none

Drolma wrote:Does anyonehave an exact definition of sentience? I would prefer to have a definition with a reference so I can quote it :airquote:

Thanks!

If your thinking of its use in "sentient beings" I have heard "a being that has breath & blood". I will try to find the source, cannot recall at the moment.

I think it's "having breath" also Will, but I can't find anything to back that up. I just know I've read it before.

Search Master Hsuan Hua's writings and you will find it (blood and breath). But he does not give the original source.

I have never noticed this word 'sentient' in the suttas.

The first precept states not to kill beings that breathe.

For example, an adept practitioner that has the cessation of feeling & perception through practising awareness would not longer be regarded as sentient.

Subtlest of subtle forms, even in the formless realms skt:(arūpadhātu) tib: (gzugs med khams).

Is there sentience there?

Element wrote:I have never noticed this word 'sentient' in the suttas.

The first precept states not to kill beings that breathe.

For example, an adept practitioner that has the cessation of feeling & perception through practising awareness would not longer be regarded as sentient.

I searched accesstoinsight and couldn't find anything. Now I know why!

sherab zangpo wrote:Subtlest of subtle forms, even in the formless realms skt:(arūpadhātu) tib: (gzugs med khams).

Is there sentience there?

<smacks head> Someone told me today that having the five skandhas defines sentience. But beings in the formless realm wouldn't have all five skandhas, would they?