Like an experienced carpenter or carpenter's apprentice, striking hard at, pushing out, and getting rid of a coarse peg with a fine one, should the bhikkhu in order to get rid of the adventitious object, reflect on a different object which is connected with skill. Then the evil unskillful thoughts connected with desire, hate and delusion are eliminated; they disappear. By their elimination the mind stands firm, settles down, becomes unified and concentrated, just within (his subject of meditation).
If the evil unskillful thoughts continue to arise in a bhikkhu, who in order to get rid of an adventitious object reflects on a different object which is connected with skill, he should ponder on the disadvantages of unskillful thoughts thus: Truly these thoughts of mine are unskillful, blameworthy, and productive of misery. Then the evil unskillful thoughts are eliminated; they disappear. By their elimination, the mind stands firm, settles down, becomes unified and concentrated, just within (his subject of meditation).
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.020.soma.html
The Pali word for unskillful is "akusala" and skilfull is "kusala".
It is also translated as unwholesome and wholesome.
In general an unskilful thought has three basic characteristics.
1. Causes you suffering in this life
2. Not praised by the wise
3. Causes suffering in future births (generate bad kamma)
ill will towards somebody is an example of an unskilful thought loving-kindness is an example of a skillful thought.
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