We are honored to reprint and translate Master Su Chen's words here.
In the next period of time, I would like to discuss with you the theory of the eight consciousnesses of the Yogācāra (Consciousness-only) school in Buddhism. Today, l want to give a general introduction.
In Buddhist philosophy, the Yogācāra school proposes a unique theory of psychology and cognition known as the "Eight Consciousnesses." This theory attempts to explain how humans perceive the world and how the mind functions.
1. Concept of Yogācāra
Yogācāra posits that all phenomena are creations of the mind; the external material world is merely a reflection of the mind's interpretations.
Human cognition is not a direct perception of objective reality but an interpretation and processing of sensed information by the mind.
The foundation of human mental activity is built on these eight types of consciousness:
- Eye Consciousness - Sight perception
- Ear Consciousness - Hearing perception
- Nose Consciousness - Smell perception
- Tongue Consciousness - Taste perception
- Body Consciousness - Touch perception
- Mental Consciousness - Thinking and discerning
- Manas (commonly referred to as "Ego-Consciousness") - Responsible for self-identity and egocentric thought
- Ālaya-vijñāna (commonly known as "Storehouse Consciousness") - A repository of all experiential memories, forming the base layer of the mind
2. Status of Yogācāra
Yogācāra holds a significant place in Buddhism, especially influencing the development of Buddhism in China and Japan.
It offers a method to explain mental and phenomenal processes and has profoundly impacted Buddhist meditative practices and theoretical developments.
It emphasizes the exploration and understanding of the inner mind, serving as a guide and transformer for practitioners.
Asaṅga was often considered the primary founder of the Yogācāra school, and he lived in the 4th century CE. Asaṅga developed the foundational theories of Yogācāra through his meditation experiences and purported mystical communications with the bodhisattva Maitreya. His works profoundly influenced subsequent Buddhist philosophy, especially in psychological and cognitive theories.
Vasubandhu was Asaṅga's brother, who also played a crucial role in the development and refinement of Yogācāra. Initially a scholar of the Abhidharma tradition, Vasubandhu shifted towards Yogācāra under his brother's influence. He authored texts such as the Twenty Verses on Consciousness-Only and Thirty Verses on Consciousness-Only, which systematically expounded the theoretical framework of Yogācāra.
Xuanzang was a prominent monk and translator during the Tang Dynasty of China, he was a key figure in the dissemination of Yogācāra. After traveling to India to study Buddhism, Xuanzang brought back numerous Buddhist scriptures to China, including critical Yogācāra texts. His translations, such as the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions and the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, had a profound impact on the development of Buddhism in China and the broader East Asian region.
3. Significance of Yogācāra
The significance of Yogācāra lies in its deep insights into the human cognitive process.
It teaches that all suffering and afflictions stem from ignorance and incorrect perceptions of reality.
Through the practice and application of Yogācāra teachings, individuals can gradually remove habitual tendencies and impurities from their consciousness, achieving a state of purified awareness and, ultimately, liberation.
In the coming period, I will explain each "consciousness", hoping to help everyone get a glimpse of the essence of consciousness-only theory.
4. Everyday Application Example
For instance, in everyday life, when faced with criticism or injustice, we often feel anger or hurt.
According to Yogācāra, these reactions are due to the functions of the Manas and Ālaya-vijñāna. The Manas sustains ego-centric views, while the Ālaya-vijñāna accumulates past memories and response patterns to such situations unconsciously.
By pausing to observe our internal reactions to criticism instead of immediately reacting, we can gradually understand and cleanse the roots of these psychological responses.
This is the practice of "observation" in Yogācāra, which can reduce suffering and enhance mental peace and wisdom.
Through such profound understanding and practice, Yogācāra not only enriches Buddhist scholarship theoretically but also offers a practical approach to enhancing mental health and spiritual growth in daily life.
***End of Article***
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