”thought-conception and discursive thinking”, (or ”applied and sustained thought”) are verbal functions (vaci^-sankha^ra: s. sankha^ra) of the mind, the so-called ”inner speech (”parole interieure”). They are constituents of the 1st absorption (s. jha^na), but absent in the higher absorptions.
(1) "Thought-conception (vitakka) is the laying hold of a thought, giving it attention. Its characteristic consists in fixing the consciousness to the object.
(2) "Discursive thinking (vica^ra) is the roaming about and moving to and fro of the mind.... It manifests itself as continued activity of mind" (Vis.M. IV).
(1) is compared with the striking against a bell, (2) with its resounding; (1) with the seizing of a pot, (2) with wiping it. (Cf. Vis . IV.).