Storehouse Consciousness | Sanskrit: आलयविज्ञान | IAST: ālāya-vijñāna | Framed Zen Art | 12 inch x 12 inch

 Alaya consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna), also known as store consciousness or fundamental consciousness, is one of the important concepts in Yogacara. The school was founded by Asanga and Vasubandhu Bodhisattvas in the 4th century AD and had a profound influence on Mahayana Buddhist thought. Alaya consciousness is the basis of all mental activities, and its status and significance are particularly important in Buddhist philosophy.

Alaya consciousness, literally translated as "store consciousness", refers to the consciousness that stores the seeds of all good and evil karma. These seeds will mature under the right conditions and produce corresponding results. Therefore, alaya consciousness is regarded as the root and source of all mental phenomena.

Seed theory: There are countless karma seeds stored in Alaya consciousness. These karma seeds will germinate under appropriate conditions and affect individual behavior and experience. The storage and germination of this kind of karma forms a causal cycle, which explains the different encounters of sentient beings in reincarnation.

Potential awakening: Alaya consciousness is not only the place where karma is stored, but also contains the potential for individual awakening. Through practice and the growth of wisdom, karma in alaya consciousness can be purified and liberation and enlightenment can be achieved.

The basis of mental consciousness: Alaya consciousness is the basis of all mental activities. The other seven consciousnesses (eye consciousness, ear consciousness, nose consciousness, tongue consciousness, body consciousness, mind consciousness and mana consciousness) all depend on Alaya consciousness’ operation. As fundamental consciousness, it supports and maintains individual psychological activities and cognitive processes.

Read our meditation blog to understand more about Storehouse Consciousness: Ālaya-vijñāna: A Deep Dive into Buddhist Philosophy.

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