generally characterized phenomenon; general character; general characteristic; general defining property Def.: Definition of generally charcterized phenomenon: a phenomenon which is not established as a specifically characterized [phenomena], but is merely designated by terms and conceptuality Comment: This term is used in two markedly different ways, generally characterized phenomenon and general character. Generally characterized phenomena (spyi mtshan) are solely permanent phenomena such as uncompounded space ('dus ma byas kyi nam mkha'). However, general characteristic, or general character, (spyi'i mtshan nyid) refers to a character of an object that is shared with other objects; for instance, impermanence is a general characteristic of consciousness (shes pa) and is also a general characteristic of form (gzugs). Similarly, specifically characterized phenomena (rang mtshan) are solely impermanent phenomena such as consciousness (shes pa) and form (gzugs), but the specific characteristic, or specific character, (rang gi mtshan nyid) of an object is its own definining character such as that which is luminous and knowing (gsal zhing rig pa), which is the definition of consciousness (shes pa), an impermanent phenomena; and the non-affirming negative which is a mere negation of obstructive contact (thogs reg bkag tsam gyi med dgag), which is the definition of uncompounded space, a permanent phenomena.
abstract, general character, generally characterized phenomenon
general characteristic / mark
{spyi'i mtshan nyid} generally characterized [phenomena]; opposed to rang mtshan - specifically characterized [phenomena]; "general defining characteristics" [ggd]