What is "vicikitsa"

Vicikitsa (Sanskrit, also vicikitsā; Pali: vicikicchā; Tibetan Wylie: the tshom) is a Buddhist term that is translated as "doubt" or "indecision". It is defined as being of two minds about the meaning of the four noble truths; it functions as a basis for not becoming involved with wholesome activities.

Vicikitsa is identified as:

• One of the five hindrances that impede meditation
• One of the six root unwholesome mental factors within the Mahayana Abhidharma teachings
• One of the fourteen unwholesome mental factors within the Theravada Abhidhamma teachings
• One of the ten fetters in the Theravada tradition