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Difference between revisions of "(Alaya-Vijnana) STORE-CONSCIOUSNESS"

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(Created page with " STORE-CONSCIOUSNESS (Alaya-Vijnana) A Grand Concept of the Yogacara Buddhists N.A. Sastri. Mind has three designations: citta, mznas and vijnana, which indicate o...")
 
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STORE-CONSCIOUSNESS
 
  
(Alaya-Vijnana)
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===STORE-CONSCIOUSNESS===
  
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([[Alaya-Vijnana]])
  
A Grand Concept of the Yogacara Buddhists
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===A Grand {{Wiki|Concept}} of the [[Yogacara]] [[Buddhists]]===
  
  
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Mind has three designations: citta, mznas and vijnana, which
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[[Mind]] has three designations: [[citta]], mznas and [[vijnana]], which indicate one and the same thing (Y. Pancavastuka, p. 36). Some authors distinguish as follows: What is {{Wiki|past}} is [[manas]]; what is to come is [[citta]] and what is {{Wiki|present}} is [[vijnana]]. They are further explained. It is called [[citta]] considering its {{Wiki|movement}} to a distant {{Wiki|past}}; it is [[manas]] considering its previous {{Wiki|movement}} and it is [[vijnana]] considering its
indicate one and the same thing (Y. Pancavastuka, p. 36). Some authors
 
distinguish as follows: What is past is manas; what is to come is
 
citta and what is present is vijnana. They are further explained. It
 
is called citta considering its movement to a distant past; it is manas
 
considering its previous movement and it is vijnana considering its
 
  
  
tendency to rebirth (Y. Ibid). A similar distinction is admitted by
+
tendency to [[rebirth]] (Y. Ibid). A similar {{Wiki|distinction}} is admitted by the [[Yogacaras]]: dtta is [[Alayavijnana]]; [[Manas]] is klistam [[manas]] ([[defiled mind]]) as well as the [[mind]] of immediate {{Wiki|past}} [[moment]]; [[vijnana]] is what [[Wikipedia:Cognition|cognizes]] the [[object]] in the {{Wiki|present}} [[moment]] ([[Yogacarabhumi]], p.I1) The Sarv(lstivadina too say that the immediate {{Wiki|past}} [[moment]] of [[consciousness]] is [[manas]], Le. [[mana]] [[indriya]], and [[vijnana]] is what [[Wikipedia:Cognition|cognizes]] its each [[object]] (fcmt;f srferfqlft"fii: • vi [[jnanam]] prativijnaptih -Kol'a. I. 16).
the Yogacaras: dtta is Alayavijnana; Manas is klistam manas (defiled
 
mind) as well as the mind of immediate past moment; vijnana is what
 
cognizes the object in the present moment (Yogacarabhumi, p.I1) The
 
Sarv(lstivadina too say that the immediate past moment of consciousness
 
is manas, Le. mana indriya, and vijnana is what cognizes its each object
 
(fcmt;f srferfqlft"fii: • vi jnanam prativijnaptih -Kol'a. I. 16).
 
  
  
According to the Satadharmavidyamukh.;t dtta is classified into
+
According to the Satadharmavidyamukh.;t dtta is classified into eight as follows: five [[sensuous]] [[consciousnesses]] as related to [[five senses]]: [[eye]], {{Wiki|ear}}, {{Wiki|nose}}, {{Wiki|tongue}} and [[body]], the sixth: [[manovijnana]], Seventh: Klistam manovijana and the eighth: [[Alayavijnana]] (Y. Pancavastuka, Appendix. 49-50). The first six are admitted also by all early [[Buddhists]]. The last two are added by the [[Yogacarins]]. [[Takakusu]] explains the last three types thus: Sense-center, individuali7ing thought-center of [[Egotism]], and store-center of [[ideation]] ([[Essentials]], p. 37).
eight as follows: five sensuous consciousnesses as related to five senses:
 
eye, ear, nose, tongue and body, the sixth: manovijnana, Seventh:
 
Klistam manovijana and the eighth: Alayavijnana (Y. Pancavastuka,
 
Appendix. 49-50). The first six are admitted also by all early Buddhists.
 
The last two are added by the Yogacarins. Takakusu explains the last
 
three types thus: Sense-center, individuali7ing thought-center of
 
Egotism, and store-center of ideation (Essentials, p. 37).
 
  
Alaya, store-consciousness is the seed.bed of all that exists.
+
[[Alaya]], [[store-consciousness]] is the seed.bed of all that [[exists]]. Every seed lies in the [[store-consciousness]] and when it sprouts out into [[object]] [[world]] a {{Wiki|reflection}} returns as a new seed. This new seed lies latent in it and gets [[manifest]] when the seed becomes matured under favourable [[conditions]] (Ibid). The [[Yogacarabhumi]] comments: [[Defiled mind]] is always centre of [[delusion]], [[egotism]], arrogence and [[self-love]] (II'rq'lT arrdlf~fft.lll~, [[avidya]] [[atmadrsti]] [[asmimana]] [[trsna]]). The [[store-consciousness]] serves as seat of [[seeds]], abode of all
Every seed lies in the store-consciousness and when it sprouts out into
 
object world a reflection returns as a new seed. This new seed lies
 
latent in it and gets manifest when the seed becomes matured under
 
favourable conditions (Ibid). The Yogacarabhumi comments: Defiled
 
mind is always centre of delusion, egotism, arrogence and self-love
 
(II'rq'lT arrdlf~fft.lll~, avidya atmadrsti asmimana trsna).
 
The store-consciousness serves as seat of seeds, abode of all
 
  
 +
ideations, and is counted resasultant and a new birth-taking factor (~Cifr:;riRIqp)flf+ITQf"l~qT~I~fqq'JCf;Rt:'.ltffif{,) Yo. ch. p. II). Sarva-bijagatam asrayabhavanistham upadatrvipzkasamgrhitam) According to the Abhidharmasutra all [[elements]] are deposited (as [[seeds]]) in [[store-consciousness]] and the [[latter]] again in the former: thus they both go on as mutual [[causes]] and effects (M. Vibh. Tika, 18).
  
ideations, and is counted resasultant and a new birth-taking
+
This means that the [[mind]] reaches out into outer [[world]] and perceiving the [[objects]] put new [[ideas]] into the mind-store. Again these new ideaseeds sprout out to reflect still newer [[seeds]]. Thus the [[seeds]] are [[accumulated]] and stored there. The old [[seeds]] and new ones are mutually depending and [[form]] ever-rotating cycle (cp. [[Takakusu]], [[Essential]], p. 37). This explanation comes into conflict with the establh.hed [[tenet]] of the school ([[Siddhanta]]), according to which [[store-consciousness]] is only {{Wiki|productive}} [[cause]] of all other active censdousnesses (pravrtti-vijnana) which are called collectively '[[enjoyable]]' (upabhoaa). All the impure
factor (~Cifr:;riRIqp)flf+ITQf"l~qT~I~fqq'JCf;Rt:'.ltffif{,)
 
Yo. ch. p. II). Sarva-bijagatam asrayabhavanistham upadatrvipzkasamgrhitam)
 
According to the Abhidharmasutra all elements are deposited
 
(as seeds) in store-consciousness and the latter again in the
 
former: thus they both go on as mutual causes and effects
 
(M. Vibh. Tika, 18).
 
  
This means that the mind reaches out into outer world and perceiving
 
the objects put new ideas into the mind-store. Again these new ideaseeds
 
sprout out to reflect still newer seeds. Thus the seeds are accumulated
 
and stored there. The old seeds and new ones are mutually depending
 
and form ever-rotating cycle (cp. Takakusu, Essential, p. 37).
 
This explanation comes into conflict with the establh.hed tenet of the
 
school (Siddhanta), according to which store-consciousness is only
 
productive cause of all other active censdousnesses (pravrtti-vijnana)
 
which are called collectively 'enjoyable' (upabhoaa). All the impure
 
  
 +
[[elements]] are stored in it by way of effects and the [[store-consciousness]] is related to them by way of [[efficient cause]]. It is {{Wiki|indeterminate}} ([[avyakrta]]) as either good or bad, because it is [[essentially]] resultant of acts of previous [[life]] ([[vipaka]]). It accumulates all impres5ions of the effects which re~ult from the acts of previous [[life]] and are flowing spontaneously therefrom (vipaka-ni9'andophola) because it serves as the final [[cause]] of the good and the bad [[elements]] (Kusala-akusala-dhatmadhipatyat). Hence it is the [[efficient cause]] of all active impure [[elements]] as well as the final [[cause]] of all active consciousness-bodies (M. Vibh. Tika. p. 17-18).
  
elements are stored in it by way of effects and the store-consciousness is
+
[[Vasubandhu]] who pleads that the entire [[universe]] of the [[subjective]] and [[objective]] [[elements]] is mel"e transfonnation of one [[consciousness]] ([[vijnana-parinama]]) brings it under three heads: I) one Resultant consciousnes'l, 1) one [[thinking]] [[mind]] and 3) [[Six types of consciousness]] representing their re"pective [[objects]], [[visible]] {{Wiki|matter}}, etc. Commenting on the first, [[Resultant consciousness]] [[Vasubandhu]] says:
related to them by way of efficient cause. It is indeterminate (avyakrta)
 
as either good or bad, because it is essentially resultant of acts of previous
 
life (vipaka). It accumulates all impres5ions of the effects which re~ult
 
from the acts of previous life and are flowing spontaneously therefrom
 
(vipaka-ni9'andophola) because it serves as the final cause of the good
 
and the bad elements (Kusala-akusala-dhatmadhipatyat). Hence it is the
 
efficient cause of all active impure elements as well as the final cause
 
of all active consciousness-bodies (M. Vibh. Tika. p. 17-18).
 
  
Vasubandhu who pleads that the entire universe of the subjective
 
and objective elements is mel"e transfonnation of one consciousness
 
(vijnana-parinama) brings it under three heads: I) one Resultant consciousnes'l,
 
1) one thinking mind and 3) Six types of consciousness representing
 
their re"pective objects, visible matter, etc. Commenting on the
 
first, Resultant consciousness Vasubandhu says:
 
  
 +
"It is the resultant and seat of all [[seeds]]" (fq'Ulti: whf't"l'lfif{ Vipakah sarvabijakam). It is abode of all [[seeds]] of defiling [[elements]]; hence it is termed storing centre ([[alaya]]). Or all [[elements]] are stored in it by w<\y of effects (karya-bhava) and again the stOIing centre is stored in every [[element]] by way of [[cause]] (karana-bhava).1 It is a resultant effect since it is produced in the [[form]] of different [[sentient beings]] in different
  
"It is the resultant and seat of all seeds" (fq'Ulti: whf't"l'lfif{
 
Vipakah sarvabijakam). It is abode of all seeds of defiling elements;
 
hence it is termed storing centre (alaya). Or all elements are stored
 
in it by w<\y of effects (karya-bhava) and again the stOIing centre is stored
 
in every element by way of cause (karana-bhava).1 It is a resultant effect
 
since it is produced in the form of different sentient beings in different
 
  
 +
[[realms of existence]] as a result of [[good and bad]] acts of previous [[life]]. (see [[Trimsika]], ver. 1). [[Vasubandhu]] in his [[Karmasiddhi]] (Et. lamotte's {{Wiki|French}} Translation in Melanges Chinois Et. Buddhique. Vol. IV. further remarks: It is called [[Adana-vijnana]] as it assumes the [[body]]; it is [[Alaya-vijnana]] as all [[seeds]] of [[dharmas]] are stored in it; it is [[Vipaka-vijnana]] as it is a retribution of the acts of previous [[life]] (p. 103).
  
realms of existence as a result of good and bad acts of previous life.
+
It is named BhavanBavijnana in the [[scripture]] of the [[Tamrasatiya]] school, [[Mulavijnana]] in the [[scripture]] of the [[Wikipedia:Mahāsāṃghika|Mahasanghika]] school and Asamsarika-skandha in the [[scripture]] of the [[Mahisasaka]] ~ chool. (p. 106). Note: Other two [[skandhas]] of the [[Mahisasaka]] are Ksanika-skandha and ekajanmavadhl-skandha- from Masuda. p. 63. (Ibid. p. 106 n. 13). [[Asanga]] also considers [[alaya]] as [[Bhavanga]] (v. M. [[sutra]]!' XI. 32).
(see Trimsika, ver. 1).
 
Vasubandhu in his Karmasiddhi (Et. lamotte's French Translation
 
in Melanges Chinois Et. Buddhique. Vol. IV. further remarks: It is
 
called Adana-vijnana as it assumes the body; it is Alaya-vijnana as all
 
seeds of dharmas are stored in it; it is Vipaka-vijnana as it is a retribution
 
of the acts of previous life (p. 103).
 
  
It is named BhavanBavijnana in the scripture of the Tamrasatiya
+
Alayavijnana's [[object]] and aspect or [[form]] (alambana-akara) are imperceptible. In the [[cessation]] [[trance]] ([[nirodha-samapatti]]) there is one [[consciousness]] whose [[object]] and aspect are diffiuclt to understand; likewise are the [[object]] a'ld aspect of [[Alaya]] too. It comes under Vijnauo. padanaskandh. But the [[sutra]] speaks of the six consciousness-bodies alone and not of the [[Alayavijnana]] (separately). Why so? The [[intention]] of [[Buddha]] is explained in the [[Sandhinirmocana]]: Believing that they ([[ignorant]]) would iJnagine that the [[Alayavijnana]] is the [[soul]], I have not revealed it to the [[ignorant]] [[people]] (p. 106-7) Sandhinirmocanasutra, [[stanza]] cited, p. 103. n. [[108]]:
school, Mulavijnana in the scripture of the Mahasanghika school and
 
Asamsarika-skandha in the scripture of the Mahisasaka ~ chool. (p. 106).
 
Note: Other two skandhas of the Mahisasaka are Ksanika-skandha and
 
ekajanmavadhl-skandha- from Masuda. p. 63. (Ibid. p. 106 n. 13).
 
Asanga also considers alaya as Bhavanga (v. M. sutra!' XI. 32).
 
  
Alayavijnana's object and aspect or form (alambana-akara) are
+
iIIT({T"fqTif if'!'" ~) ar)~) l1tff "fcrffl ~ihr,:;r) I iij~T'l ~ qfq r( Sl'ilfiTf« +rT~cr an~' qfVTao (talk)itll: II Adanavijnana gabhira suksmo ogho [[yatha]] vartati S'lrvabijojbalana eSo mayi an prakasi mahaiva at rna parikalpayeyuhjjcp. Trim. [[bhas]]. p. 34 with slight variation in the second line.
imperceptible. In the cessation trance (nirodha-samapatti) there is
 
one consciousness whose object and aspect are diffiuclt to understand;
 
likewise are the object a'ld aspect of Alaya too. It comes under Vijnauo.
 
padanaskandh. But the sutra speaks of the six consciousness-bodies
 
alone and not of the Alayavijnana (separately). Why so? The intention
 
of Buddha is explained in the Sandhinirmocana: Believing that they
 
(ignorant) would iJnagine that the Alayavijnana is the soul, I have not
 
revealed it to the ignorant people (p. 106-7) Sandhinirmocanasutra,
 
stanza cited, p. 103. n. 108:
 
  
iIIT({T"fqTif if'!'" ~) ar)~) l1tff "fcrffl ~ihr,:;r) I
+
Why do they think so? Because this [[consciousness]] is [[beginningless]] (anadikalika) and continues to the end of [[Samsara]]; because it is very {{Wiki|subtle}} in its aspect, it does not [[chang]]~. Six consciousness-bodies are gross in their support-object, aspect and model ([[alambana]], [[akara]], [[visesa]]) and easier to [[recognize]]; since they are associated with pasdons, [[klesa]] and pratipaRsamarBa, counteracting [[path]] and they are brought under [[sanklesa]] and [[vyavadana]], "pollution" and "[[purification]]" they are in the [[nature]] of result.consciousness. By this {{Wiki|reasoning}} one will understand
iij~T'l ~ qfq r( Sl'ilfiTf« +rT~cr an~' qf[[User:VTao|VTao]] ([[User talk:VTao|talk]])itll: II
 
Adanavijnana gabhira suksmo ogho yatha vartati S'lrvabijojbalana eSo
 
mayi an prakasi mahaiva at rna parikalpayeyuhjjcp. Trim.
 
bhas. p. 34 with slight variation in the second line.
 
  
Why do they think so? Because this consciousness is beginningless
 
(anadikalika) and continues to the end of Samsara; because it is very
 
subtle in its aspect, it does not chang~. Six consciousness-bodies are
 
gross in their support-object, aspect and model (alambana, akara,
 
visesa) and easier to recognize; since they are associated with pasdons,
 
klesa and pratipaRsamarBa, counteracting path and they are brought under
 
sanklesa and vyavadana, "pollution" and "purification" they are in
 
the nature of result.consciousness. By this reasoning one will understand
 
  
 +
that there [[exists]] one [[causal consciousness]] (hetu-vijnana). The [[sutra]] does not speak of this [[consciousness]] because it is different from the six ones. That is the [[intention]] of the [[sutra]] for not {{Wiki|speaking}} of the Alayaconsciousness. Thiswise we explain why the 5utras of other schooh speak of only six consciousness-bodies as Bhavangavijnana •.•. etc •. (p. [[108]]).
  
that there exists one causal consciousness (hetu-vijnana). The sutra
+
[[Vasubandhu]] pleads that there will be no harm in accepting one [[person]] having two [[consciousnesses]] together: (I) cause-consciom.ness and (ii) result-consciousness supporting each other. For, the retribution- consciousnes,s (hetuvijnana) is perfumed by the [[active consciousness]] (pravrttivl). When they exis t in two persons there is no such mutual relationship. Therefore we do not have any difficulty in this proposition (p. 109). Ref. also [[Trimsika]], ver. 15'.
does not speak of this consciousness because it is different from the six
 
ones. That is the intention of the sutra for not speaking of the Alayaconsciousness.
 
Thiswise we explain why the 5utras of other schooh
 
speak of only six consciousness-bodies as Bhavangavijnana •.. etc •.
 
(p. 108).
 
  
Vasubandhu pleads that there will be no harm in accepting one
+
We may note here that the position is quite different with the [[Satyasiddhi]]. According to this school one [[person]] can have only one [[mind]] at a time. The presence of two [[minds]] at a time involves two persons. This situation has been necessitated for the school on account of its refusing to support the [[Sarvastivadins]]' [[tenet]] of [[samprayoga]], association of [[thoughts]] (v .chs. 65'-76.)
person having two consciousnesses together: (I) cause-consciom.ness
 
and (ii) result-consciousness supporting each other. For, the retribution-
 
consciousnes,s (hetuvijnana) is perfumed by the active consciousness
 
(pravrttivl). When they exis t in two persons there is no such mutual
 
relationship. Therefore we do not have any difficulty in this proposition
 
(p. 109). Ref. also Trimsika, ver. 15'.
 
  
We may note here that the position is quite different with the
+
We understand further that the problem of [[store-consciousness]] has also been discussed by [[Vasubandhu]] in his comment on the DasabhumiSutra wherein this [[consciousness]] has ultimately been linked up with the [[Matrix]] of [[Tathagata]] as its interior source. The well-known [[Avatamsaka School]] of [[Buddhism]] (which is founded on the [[Gandavyuha Sutra]]) has sprung up absorbing much of the [[traditions]] and interpretations laid down in the [[Dasabhumi-Sutra]] and the comment thereon by [[Vasubandhu]] ([[Essentials]], p. IIO-II).
Satyasiddhi. According to this school one person can have only one mind
 
at a time. The presence of two minds at a time involves two persons.
 
This situation has been necessitated for the school on account of its
 
refusing to support the Sarvastivadins' tenet of samprayoga, association
 
of thoughts (v .chs. 65'-76.)
 
  
We understand further that the problem of store-consciousness has
+
The [[Yogacara]] {{Wiki|Idealists}} propounded the [[store-consciousness]] as repository of [[seeds]] of the active [[mind]] and [[mental states]]. We should remember that this [[parent]] [[consciousness]] itself a polluted and [[impermanent]], and hence it cannot serve our [[urge]] for the [[spiritual]] goal which may act as a guiding [[principle]] in our [[life]] {{Wiki|purpose}}. Some sort of this [[rational thinking]] must have led the later {{Wiki|Idealists}} to postulate the {{Wiki|theory}} of [[causation]] by [[Dharmadhatu]], Foundation of [[Elements]] which is a [[universal principle]] {{Wiki|present}} in every {{Wiki|individual}}; it is also termed T athaoata-aarbha (v. [[Discussion]] on this topic in my Bud. [[Idealism]]).
also been discussed by Vasubandhu in his comment on the DasabhumiSutra
 
wherein this consciousness has ultimately been linked up with the
 
Matrix of Tathagata as its interior source. The well-known Avatamsaka
 
School of Buddhism (which is founded on the Gandavyuha Sutra) has
 
sprung up absorbing much of the traditions and interpretations laid down
 
in the Dasabhumi-Sutra and the comment thereon by Vasubandhu
 
(Essentials, p. IIO-II).
 
  
The Yogacara Idealists propounded the store-consciousness as
 
repository of seeds of the active mind and mental states. We should
 
remember that this parent consciousness itself a polluted and impermanent,
 
and hence it cannot serve our urge for the spiritual goal which may act
 
as a guiding principle in our life purpose. Some sort of this rational
 
thinking must have led the later Idealists to postulate the theory of
 
causation by Dharmadhatu, Foundation of Elements which is a universal
 
principle present in every individual; it is also termed T athaoata-aarbha
 
(v. Discussion on this topic in my Bud. Idealism).
 
  
 +
Let us take note of Takukusu' s ob5e] vation on the cau~atjontheory of the later {{Wiki|Idealists}}: The {{Wiki|theory}} of [[causation]] by DIJQrmaclbatu is the climax of all c~usation theories; it is actually the conclusion of the {{Wiki|theory}} of causal origination as it is the univenal cr,usation and it is already within the {{Wiki|theory}} of [[universal]] {{Wiki|immanence}}, pamophhm, cosmotheism Or whatever it may be called. ([[Essentials]], p. 113). The [[causation]] {{Wiki|theory}} was first expressed by action-cause, since the [[action]] originates in [[ideation]] the {{Wiki|theory}} was in the sceond stage expressed by the Ideation-store; the [[latter]] ag<:,in was in the third stage expressed as originated in the [[Matrix]] of [[Tathagata]], [[Tathagatagarbha]] (cp. Ibid).
  
Let us take note of Takukusu' s ob5e] vation on the cau~atjontheory
+
The above process of [[thinking]] is truly a clim"x in the develop· ment of [[Buddhist]] [[thought]]. The {{Wiki|theory}} of ~usation by the sole actioninfluence was pleaded by the early [[Buddhists]] with a view to saving an absurd situation [[arising]] out of their [[no-soul]] [[doctrine]]. The [[Brahmanical]] system pleads for the [[soul]] as a spark of [[divine power]] implying thereby the presence of [[God]] in every {{Wiki|individual}}. Since [[God]] is dethroned in [[Buddhism]] the [[soul]] is also likewise dropped. Thus the [[doctrine]] of
of the later Idealists: The theory of causation by DIJQrmaclbatu
 
is the climax of all c~usation theories; it is actually the conclusion of
 
the theory of causal origination as it is the univenal cr,usation and it
 
is already within the theory of universal immanence, pamophhm, cosmotheism
 
Or whatever it may be called. (Essentials, p. 113). The
 
causation theory was first expressed by action-cause, since the action
 
originates in ideation the theory was in the sceond stage expressed by
 
the Ideation-store; the latter ag<:,in was in the third stage expressed as
 
originated in the Matrix of Tathagata, Tathagatagarbha (cp. Ibid).
 
  
The above process of thinking is truly a clim"x in the develop·
 
ment of Buddhist thought. The theory of ~usation by the sole actioninfluence
 
was pleaded by the early Buddhists with a view to saving an
 
absurd situation arising out of their no-soul doctrine. The Brahmanical
 
system pleads for the soul as a spark of divine power implying thereby
 
the presence of God in every individual. Since God is dethroned in
 
Buddhism the soul is also likewise dropped. Thus the doctrine of
 
  
 +
immanece (antaryami-vada) that has been emphasized in the [[Brahmanical]] and other [[religious]] [[scriptures]] was not favoured in the early stage of [[Buddhism]]. Now we find a revival in [[Mahayana Buddhism]] of the doctrinef of immance in the [[form]] of [[Dharmadhatu]] or [[Tathagata-garbha]] which is a reverse mode of [[store-consciousness]] (v. [[Ratnagotra]] for detailed elucidation of the Garbha-theory).
  
immanece (antaryami-vada) that has been emphasized in the Brahmanical
+
The [[transcendental knowledge]] which comes in the possession of a [[Yogin]] at the final stage of his [[spiritual]] endeavour ru.s been designated by [[Vasubandhu]] as [[Dharmakaya]], Anasravadhatu, [[Asrayaparavrtti]]. [[Vasubandhu]] speaks of it as a:rT~llq~l¥fft', Asraya-paravrtti, because a {{Wiki|metamorphosis}} of Asraya-store-consciousness is effected into a [[non-dual]] knowedge (which is the same as [[Dharmakaya]]) as a result of dispelling the biotic forces of duali~m which are active from immemorial days (his [[Trimsika]], vel'. 19-30 with [[Bhasya]] of [[Sthiramati]]).
and other religious scriptures was not favoured in the early stage of
 
Buddhism. Now we find a revival in Mahayana Buddhism of the doctrinef
 
of immance in the form of Dharmadhatu or Tathagata-garbha which is
 
a reverse mode of store-consciousness (v. Ratnagotra for detailed
 
elucidation of the Garbha-theory).
 
  
The transcendental knowledge which comes in the possession of
+
Vajra-Samadhi calls it Amala-jnana, immaculate [[knowledge]]. Since this [[knowledge]] flashes up trasplanting the polluted [[store-consciousness]] ithas been considered a nineth [[pure]] [[knowledge]] in the Vajra-Samadhi (v. Lie benthal, [[Tung]] pao, XLlV.P.349). The relatioruhip between these [[two knowledges]], may either be [[Wikipedia:Identity (social science)|identity]] or diversity. The [[Wikipedia:Identity (social science)|identity]] view is perhaps favoured by [[Vasubandhu]] and his school because the [[transcendental knowledge]] is not counted as the nineth in the early
a Yogin at the final stage of his spiritual endeavour ru.s been designated
 
by Vasubandhu as Dharmakaya, Anasravadhatu, Asrayaparavrtti.
 
Vasubandhu speaks of it as a:rT~llq~l¥fft', Asraya-paravrtti, because
 
a metamorphosis of Asraya-store-consciousness is effected into a non-dual
 
knowedge (which is the same as Dharmakaya) as a result of dispelling
 
the biotic forces of duali~m which are active from immemorial days
 
(his Trimsika, vel'. 19-30 with Bhasya of Sthiramati).
 
  
Vajra-Samadhi calls it Amala-jnana, immaculate knowledge.
 
Since this knowledge flashes up trasplanting the polluted store-consciousness
 
ithas been considered a nineth pure knowledge in the Vajra-Samadhi
 
(v. Lie benthal, Tung pao, XLlV.P.349). The relatioruhip between
 
these two knowledges, may either be identity or diversity. The
 
identity view is perhaps favoured by Vasubandhu and his school because
 
the transcendental knowledge is not counted as the nineth in the early
 
  
 +
texts of the school whereas the diversity view is endorsed in the V. [[samadhi]]. There is possibly a third view 2, viz. the view of indescribability which may also be the opinion of Vasub:mdhu (v. his [[Trimsika]], vr.22.)
  
texts of the school whereas the diversity view is endorsed in the V.
+
The nomenclature '[[store-consciousness]]', '[[Alaya-vijnana]]' is not quite popular with the [[logical]] school of [[Dignaga]], though the school advocates strongly in favour of the {{Wiki|idealistic}} outlook of the [[universe]]. [[Dignaga]], for example, after proving the impossibility of [[external objects]] [[existing]] either in an [[atomic]] [[form]] or [[aggregate]] [[form]] elucidates in fine how to account for our marlifold [[experiences]] of things in the outside [[world]]. He says : It is the [[object]] of our [[knowledge]] which
samadhi. There is possibly a third view 2, viz. the view of indescribability
 
which may also be the opinion of Vasub:mdhu (v. his Trimsika,
 
vr.22.)
 
  
The nomenclature 'store-consciousness', 'Alaya-vijnana' is not
+
[[exists]] internally in the [[knowledge]] itself as a knowable aspects and this knowable aspect appears to us as though it [[exists]] externally (v. Alam. pariksa, ver .6). Here in this context [[Dignaga]] is not enthusiast to speak of the nomenclature of [[Alaya-vijnana]], though his commentator, [[Vinitadeva]] makes good the lapse' (v. the forthcoming publication of th is comment from Tib. ven.ion) . [[Dignaga]]' s reluctance might be prompted by the adverse comment from the· opposite camp like the
quite popular with the logical school of Dignaga, though the school
 
advocates strongly in favour of the idealistic outlook of the universe.
 
Dignaga, for example, after proving the impossibility of external
 
objects existing either in an atomic form or aggregate form elucidates
 
in fine how to account for our marlifold experiences of things in the
 
outside world. He says : It is the object of our knowledge which
 
  
exists internally in the knowledge itself as a knowable aspects and this
+
[[Madhyamikas]] and others. A similar situation may also account. for the [[Lankavatara Sutra's]] {{Wiki|cautious}} approach to the Yogacatas' eight-fold [[division]] of [[consciousness]]. The [[Suta]], though g'ouped under the [[Yogacara]] classics is leaned towards the [[Prajnaparamita]] [[doctrine]] as is evident from its solemn declaration that the said [[eight types of consciousness]] are not at all transformations of one basic [[mind]]. They are indistinguishable like the ocean and its waves, hence they are of one and the same trait
knowable aspect appears to us as though it exists externally (v. Alam.
 
pariksa, ver .6). Here in this context Dignaga is not enthusiast to
 
speak of the nomenclature of Alaya-vijnana, though his commentator,
 
Vinitadeva makes good the lapse' (v. the forthcoming publication of
 
th is comment from Tib. ven.ion) . Dignaga' s reluctance might be
 
prompted by the adverse comment from the· opposite camp like the
 
  
Madhyamikas and others. A similar situation may also account. for
+
a:rf+r~"l&llJfjr~tft " ~IflI'T "Trq "lW'fl{ I \3~eTl!if Cf,{'WllTt ll~ <lJ~ f~l{ I fq;m;l ~~t . f:q\9': qf,{IlTT'~)" wl;W II (cp. [[Tucci's]] paper, IHQ. IV. 545, f).
the Lankavatara Sutra's cautious approach to the Yogacatas' eight-fold
 
division of consciousness. The Suta, though g'ouped under the
 
Yogacara classics is leaned towards the Prajnaparamita doctrine as is
 
evident from its solemn declaration that the said eight types of consciousness
 
are not at all transformations of one basic mind. They are indistinguishable
 
like the ocean and its waves, hence they are of one and
 
the same trait
 
  
a:rf+r~"l&llJfjr~tft " ~IflI'T "Trq "lW'fl{ I
+
The great champion of the [[Madhyamaka school]], [[Candrakirti]] comments: The advocate of the [[store-consciousness]] pleads that it is the seat of the [[seeds]] of all active [[consciousnesses]] and it produces the [[appearance]] of the [[world]]. This advocacy resembles the [[Brahmanical]] system pleading for [[God]] as a [[creator of the universe]] .. One difference between them is that [[God]] is viewed [[permanent]] and the [[Alaya]] [[impermanent]] but in other [[respect]] they differ not much. (v. my [[Sanskrit]] text. Madhi. [[Avatara]], Ch.VI, P.42).
\3~eTl!if Cf,{'WllTt ll~ <lJ~ f~l{ I
 
fq;m;l ~~t . f:q\9': qf,{IlTT'~)" wl;W II
 
(cp. Tucci's paper, IHQ. IV. 545, f).
 
  
The great champion of the Madhyamaka school, Candrakirti
 
comments: The advocate of the store-consciousness pleads that it
 
is the seat of the seeds of all active consciousnesses and it produces the
 
appearance of the world. This advocacy resembles the Brahmanical
 
system pleading for God as a creator of the universe .. One difference
 
between them is that God is viewed permanent and the Alaya impermanent
 
but in other respect they differ not much. (v. my Sanskrit text.
 
Madhi. Avatara, Ch.VI, P.42).
 
  
 +
The same accusation has been levelled by. [[Acarya]] [[Bhavaviveka]] in his Karatala~rtna. : If [[Dharma-kaya]], Norm-body which is characterized by the [[Yogacara]] as Asraya-paravrtti, met,,!molphosis of the storeconsciousness be admitted in an [[existing]] [[self-being]], then it is hardly distinguishable from the [[soul]], AtlTh'l.n of the Brhmanical system becau~e the [[soul]] also is described in their [[scripture]] as something [[existent]], but beyond the reach by [[word]] and [[mind]] (v. My skt. text, p. 7S-6). Going back still earlier we have the Satyasddhi hurling strictures on such theories thus : The [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]] of [[Purusa]] (or [[Pudgala]]) and [[alaya]] are all [[wrong views]]. This tense remark reveals that this author is inclined to bring them under the categOl:y of a perverted notion (Y. ch. IP)·
  
The same accusation has been levelled by. Acarya Bhavaviveka in
+
It appears that the Alaya-doctrine does not appeal so much to the [[Tibetan]] [[mystics]] as the [[doctrine]] of [[Sunyata]] does. The Tibctan [[Yogin]] [[Milarepa]] bears {{Wiki|witness}} to this [[own]] sUlmise. The following statements about him may be notEd here: "He was [[master]] {{Wiki|architect}}, well-versed in the [[exposition]] of thc [[science]] of the Clear [[Void]] [[Mind]], wherein all [[forms]] and {{Wiki|substances}} have their [[cause]] and origin" ([[Tibet's]] Great [[Yogi]], Milarfpa, W.Y. EV.1ns-Wentz, po 36) 0 "He was a most learned [[professor]] in the SciEnce of the [[Mind]]". (po3S, para.2)
his Karatala~rtna. : If Dharma-kaya, Norm-body which is characterized
 
by the Yogacara as Asraya-paravrtti, met,,!molphosis of the storeconsciousness
 
be admitted in an existing self-being, then it is hardly
 
distinguishable from the soul, AtlTh'l.n of the Brhmanical system becau~e
 
the soul also is described in their scripture as something existent, but
 
beyond the reach by word and mind (v. My skt. text, p. 7S-6).
 
Going back still earlier we have the Satyasddhi hurling strictures
 
on such theories thus : The concepts of Purusa (or Pudgala) and
 
alaya are all wrong views. This tense remark reveals that this author is
 
inclined to bring them under the categOl:y of a perverted notion (Y. ch.
 
IP)·
 
  
It appears that the Alaya-doctrine does not appeal so much to the
+
It is reported that Milart'pa himself uttered the following : As the mere [[name]] of [[food]] doth not satisfy the appetite of the hungry [[person]], but he must eat [[food]], S0, also a man who would learn about the Voidne,s of [[Thought]], must [[meditate]] so us to realize it .. 0 0 In short, habituation to the contemplation of voidnes5 of EquiliblUm, of the [[Indescribable]], of the Incognizable [[forms]] the four differEnt stages of the Four Degrees of [[Initiation]] graduated steps in the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] goal of the [[mystic]] Vajra-yanao, (PP.I4.2-143).
Tibetan mystics as the doctrine of Sunyata does. The Tibctan Yogin
 
Milarepa bears witness to this own sUlmise.
 
The following statements about him may be notEd here: "He
 
was master architect, well-versed in the exposition of thc science of
 
the Clear Void Mind, wherein all forms and substances have their
 
cause and origin" (Tibet's Great Yogi, Milarfpa, W.Y. EV.1ns-Wentz,
 
po 36) 0 "He was a most learned professor in the SciEnce of the Mind".
 
(po3S, para.2)
 
  
It is reported that Milart'pa himself uttered the following : As
+
To what particular [[doctrine]] of Mahaynna [[Sect]] he belongs? [[Milarepa]] replied: It was the [[highest]] [[creed]] of [[Mahayana]], it was called the [[Path]] of Total Self-Abnegation, for the pm pose of [[attaining Buddhahood]] in one [[life-time]] .... (po IS6). I was perfectly convinced that the real source of both [[Samsara]] and Nirvz,na lay in the Voidrness (of the Supra-mundane [[Mind]]). (po 209). Noteworthy is the saying uttered on the occasion of his fntering into Find Nirvcma
the mere name of food doth not satisfy the appetite of the hungry
 
person, but he must eat food, S0, also a man who would learn about
 
the Voidne,s of Thought, must meditate so us to realize it .. 0 0 In
 
short, habituation to the contemplation of voidnes5 of EquiliblUm,
 
of the Indescribable, of the Incognizable forms the four differEnt stages
 
of the Four Degrees of Initiation graduated steps in the ultimate goal
 
of the mystic Vajra-yanao, (PP.I4.2-143).
 
  
To what particular doctrine of Mahaynna Sect he belongs?
 
Milarepa replied: It was the highest creed of Mahayana, it was called
 
the Path of Total Self-Abnegation, for the pm pose of attaining Buddhahood
 
in one life-time .... (po IS6). I was perfectly convinced
 
that the real source of both Samsara and Nirvz,na lay in the Voidrness
 
(of the Supra-mundane Mind). (po 209). Noteworthy is the saying
 
uttered on the occasion of his fntering into Find Nirvcma
 
  
 +
That which is of the [[nature]] of the uncreated, the [[Dharma-dhatu]], the {{Wiki|unborn}}, the [[Voidness]], the [[Sunyata]] hath no beginning nor doth it evercease to be, E'en [[birth]] and [[death]] are of the [[nature]] of the [[Voidness]]. Such being the Real [[Truth]], avoid [[doubts]] and misgiving about it (p. 288). [[Sunyata]], [[Void]] or [[Voidness]] in the above passages conveys the [[idea]] of an [[absolute]] and unqualified [[voidness]] which approaches nearer to the [[Madhyamika's]] {{Wiki|conception}} of the term than to the Yogacara's positive one, efr. Notes on pp. 37, n.s, 28s,n.3, 288,n.3, etc.
  
That which is of the nature of the uncreated,
+
Here we may incidentally take note of an [[interesting]] piece of [[truth]] a common [[creed]] of the [[Yogacara]] [[Buddhists]] that is vouchsaved by [[Milarepa]] in the saying: "I understand that all [[sentient beings]] possess a ray of the Eternal and that we mmt work for their {{Wiki|salvation}} and [[development]]" (p. 85). This {{Wiki|confession}} seems to be an {{Wiki|echo}} of the [[Garbha]] {{Wiki|theory}} of the [[Yogacaras]].
the Dharma-dhatu, the unborn, the Voidness,
 
the Sunyata hath no beginning nor doth it evercease to be,
 
E'en birth and death are of the nature of the Voidness. Such being
 
the Real Truth, avoid doubts and misgiving about it (p. 288).
 
Sunyata, Void or Voidness in the above passages conveys the idea
 
of an absolute and unqualified voidness which approaches nearer to the
 
Madhyamika's conception of the term than to the Yogacara's positive
 
one, efr. Notes on pp. 37, n.s, 28s,n.3, 288,n.3, etc.
 
  
Here we may incidentally take note of an interesting piece of
+
Et. [[Wikipedia:Étienne Lamotte|Lamotte]] has drawn our [[attention]] to the fact that the term [[alaya]] can be traced to [[Pali]] [[Wikipedia:canonical|canonical]] sources in the passages : at~lff~T"T ~T q;w.j ~ a:rll'"S'~:r~a-T atT'"fllfiffir, [[alayarama]] kho panayam paja [[alayarata]] alayamdita, "[[people]] are [[delighted]] in [[alaya]], engrossed in [[alaya]] and [[joyous]] inalaya" (Ref. Digh.II.P.36,3,37,25; Majhima I, 167, 32, [[Samyutta]] I, P.136,1I: [[Anguttara]] II, P.131,30; [[Mahavastu]] III, P.314,3). But its [[sense]] is pancakamaguna, five [[objects]] of [[five senses]] according to comment on Digh. later the [[Vijnanavadins]] found in the passage a {{Wiki|justification}} of their {{Wiki|theory}} of [[Alayavijnana]], [[psychological]] basis of the school. He further remarks that the [[Vimalakirti]] still ignores the [[Vijnanavadin]] (Et. [[Wikipedia:Étienne Lamotte|Lamotte]] op. cit. p. 246, n.4). Refer to Majh.I.190 {{Wiki|speaking}} of the [[Alaya]] in parallel with [[chanda]] (wish), [[anunaya]] (pursuit) and so on. The renowned [[Buddhist]] poet [[Asvaghosa]] still ignores the later technical [[sense]] of the term in this line : Loke, [[smin]] alayarame nivrrttau durlabha ratih. The {{Wiki|taste}} towards the [[retreat]] is very rare in this [[world]] which is engrossed in enjoing the [[sensual pleasures]], [[alaya]]. [[Sundarananda]], XII,22
truth a common creed of the Yogacara Buddhists that is vouchsaved
 
by Milarepa in the saying: "I understand that all sentient beings
 
possess a ray of the Eternal and that we mmt work for their salvation and
 
development" (p. 85). This confession seems to be an echo of the
 
Garbha theory of the Yogacaras.
 
  
Et. Lamotte has drawn our attention to the fact that the term
 
alaya can be traced to Pali canonical sources in the passages :
 
at~lff~T"T ~T q;w.j ~ a:rll'"S'~:r~a-T atT'"fllfiffir, alayarama kho panayam
 
paja alayarata alayamdita, "people are delighted in alaya, engrossed
 
in alaya and joyous inalaya" (Ref. Digh.II.P.36,3,37,25; Majhima I,
 
167, 32, Samyutta I, P.136,1I: Anguttara II, P.131,30; Mahavastu
 
III, P.314,3). But its sense is pancakamaguna, five objects of five
 
  
senses according to comment on Digh. later the Vijnanavadins found
+
===[[Some Brahmanical Parallels]]===
in the passage a justification of their theory of Alayavijnana, psychological
 
basis of the school. He further remarks that the Vimalakirti still
 
ignores the Vijnanavadin (Et. Lamotte op. cit. p. 246, n.4). Refer
 
to Majh.I.190 speaking of the Alaya in parallel with chanda (wish),
 
anunaya (pursuit) and so on. The renowned Buddhist poet Asvaghosa
 
still ignores the later technical sense of the term in this line :
 
Loke, smin alayarame nivrrttau durlabha ratih.
 
The taste towards the retreat is very rare in this world which is
 
engrossed in enjoing the sensual pleasures, alaya. Sundarananda, XII,22
 
  
  
Some Brahmanical Parallels
+
The advocate of transformation-theory (parinamayada) on the [[Brahmanical]] side is the [[Sankhya]] [[philosopher]]. His eight rudimentary [[elements]] are comparable with the Vijnanavadin's groups of [[eight consciousnesses]]. The [[Sankhya]] eight rudiments are: [[Pradhana]] or [[Avyakrta]], [[ahankara]], [[buddhi]] and [[five great elements]] (y. Bud. [[carita]], XII, 18, [[Caraka]], [[Sarira]], ch.1 and {{Wiki|Gita}}, XIII, 5). The classical [[Sankhya]] replaced the five gl'eat [[elements]] by their [[corresponding]] five {{Wiki|subtle}} ones a parallel [[development]] is also noticeable in the Satya-Siddhi (Ch. 36). The [[Bhagavat]] {{Wiki|Gita}} in an earlier Chap. VII, 4 declares that the [[Nature]],
  
 +
[[Prakrti]] is {{Wiki|distinguished}} into eight: [[Five great elements]], [[mind]], [[manas]], [[intellect]], [[buddhi]] and individuation, [[ahankara]]. The polluted [[mind]] of the [[Vijnanavadin]] may be compJ.red with [[ahankara]] because both are sources of the I-notion, the Gita's [[mind]] with [[Alaya-consciousness]] and [[buddhi]] with [[mano-vijnana]]. [[Caraka]] assigsns to [[Buddhi]] the function of I-notion from which [[state]] are produced [[five great elements]]. The [[mind]], [[manas]] as producer of the [[world]] has been stated in the [[Mundaka]] Up. (I. 1,8) according to the [[interpretation]] of [[Sri Sankara]] (y. his [[bhasya]]). This is probably only the passage which mentions the [[mind]] as the source 9f other [[element]]~, [[earth]], etc. Let it be noted however that the [[mind]], in turn, is a, product of the personal [[Brahman]] called [[Prana]], [[breath]].
  
The advocate of transformation-theory (parinamayada) on the
+
It has been previously stated that ciua, [[manas]] and [[vijnana]] signify one and the ~ame thing for the [[Buddhists]]. The Taittiviya Up. (11.4) mentions [[manas]] and [[vijnana]] as {{Wiki|distinct}} [[elements]] (cp. [[Katha]]. III, 1,3)g [[Sankara]] takes [[vijnana]] for [[buddhi]] (v. his [[bhasya]]). The classical defini. tion of [[manas]] and [[buddhi]] is that the former is characterized as designin( sanka/pa) and the [[latter]] as deciding (ax},yoyasaya), (Y. [[Sankhya-karika]], 13, 11) and also accepted by [[Sankara]] (v. Taitt, [[bhasya]], II, 3,4, and {{Wiki|Gita}} II, 41,44). There are certain contexts where [[Sankara]] is obliged to identify [[vijnana]] and [[manas]] (Taitt. II, 6 Bha.) and [[jnana]] and [[buddhi]] as one [[element]] (T. kath.a, III, 1,13, bha.).
Brahmanical side is the Sankhya philosopher. His eight rudimentary
 
elements are comparable with the Vijnanavadin's groups of eight
 
consciousnesses. The Sankhya eight rudiments are: Pradhana or
 
Avyakrta, ahankara, buddhi and five great elements (y. Bud. carita,
 
XII, 18, Caraka, Sarira, ch.1 and Gita, XIII, 5). The classical Sankhya
 
replaced the five gl'eat elements by their corresponding five subtle ones
 
a parallel development is also noticeable in the Satya-Siddhi (Ch. 36).
 
The Bhagavat Gita in an earlier Chap. VII, 4 declares that the Nature,
 
  
Prakrti is distinguished into eight: Five great elements, mind, manas,
+
The Prasnopanisad, while explaining "[[Sarva]]" "all" enumerates four {{Wiki|distinct}} states: [[manas]], [[mind]], [[buddhi]], [[intellect]], [[ahankara]], individuation and [[citta]], [[spirit]] together with their respestive [[objects]] : mantavya, boddhavya, ahankartavya and cetayilavya. The last [[element]] in this group of "all" is p'ana indicating thereby that it is the source as well as the binding factor of the entire group. Incidentally we may note here that this "[[Sarva]]" may correspond roughly with the [[Buddhist]] .. [[Sarva]]" which covers the entire [[universe]] grouped into [[twelve bases]]
intellect, buddhi and individuation, ahankara. The polluted mind
 
of the Vijnanavadin may be compJ.red with ahankara because both are
 
sources of the I-notion, the Gita's mind with Alaya-consciousness and
 
buddhi with mano-vijnana. Caraka assigsns to Buddhi the function
 
of I-notion from which state are produced five great elements. The
 
mind, manas as producer of the world has been stated in the Mundaka
 
Up. (I. 1,8) according to the interpretation of Sri Sankara (y. his bhasya).
 
This is probably only the passage which mentions the mind as the source
 
9f other element~, earth, etc. Let it be noted however that the mind,
 
in turn, is a, product of the personal Brahman called Prana, breath.
 
  
It has been previously stated that ciua, manas and vijnana signify
 
one and the ~ame thing for the Buddhists. The Taittiviya Up. (11.4)
 
mentions manas and vijnana as distinct elements (cp. Katha. III, 1,3)g
 
Sankara takes vijnana for buddhi (v. his bhasya). The classical defini.
 
tion of manas and buddhi is that the former is characterized as designin(
 
sanka/pa) and the latter as deciding (ax},yoyasaya), (Y. Sankhya-karika,
 
13, 11) and also accepted by Sankara (v. Taitt, bhasya, II, 3,4, and
 
Gita II, 41,44). There are certain contexts where Sankara is obliged
 
to identify vijnana and manas (Taitt. II, 6 Bha.) and jnana and buddhi
 
as one element (T. kath.a, III, 1,13, bha.).
 
  
The Prasnopanisad, while explaining "Sarva" "all" enumerates
+
("yatana). This apart, the [[Upanisads]] and the {{Wiki|Gita}} speck plominently of the states: mmas and [[buddhi]] probably as a result of the [[Sankhya]] speculation which perhaps senes as the nucleas of the early [[metaphysical]] rackonings in [[India]]. The [[Buddhists]] nowhere mention [[buddhi]] as a {{Wiki|distinct}} [[mental state]] although other states like dhi, [[mati]] meaning p,'z,jna are stated (Y. [[Trimsika]], 10, {{Wiki|Conception}} of Bud. p. 84-). According to the reformed school of [[Buddhism]], viz. [[Satyasiddhi]]
four distinct states: manas, mind, buddhi, intellect, ahankara, individuation
 
and citta, spirit together with their respestive objects : mantavya,
 
boddhavya, ahankartavya and cetayilavya. The last element in this
 
group of "all" is p'ana indicating thereby that it is the source as well
 
as the binding factor of the entire group. Incidentally we may note
 
here that this "Sarva" may correspond roughly with the Buddhist
 
.. Sarva" which covers the entire universe grouped into twelve bases
 
  
 +
one [[mind]] [[element]] alone is substantial and all other [[mental phenomena]] are only its different [[moods]] and nominal but [[not substantial]]. This school thus brings under one [[element]] all other [[mental states]] counted into sixty by the [[Sarvastivadins]] as separate subst:mtial [[elements]]. The [[Vijnanavadins]] do not dispute with the [[Sarvastivadins]] and accept their entire list (v. [[Trimsika]] and Satadharma. in my Pancavastuka, Appendix). They both differ each other, however in their [[Wikipedia:Ontology|ontological]] outlook, i.e. one is Idealist and the other Realist. [[Sri Sankara]] once is inclined to deny {{Wiki|distinction}} between [[manas]] and [[buddhi]] (v. Kena Up, I, 1,5: ~;:qiRifr ;:r i{;:r~, Yan [[manasa]] na manute .... mantls includes
  
("yatana). This apart, the Upanisads and the Gita speck plominently
 
of the states: mmas and buddhi probably as a result of the Sankhya
 
speculation which perhaps senes as the nucleas of the early metaphysical
 
rackonings in India. The Buddhists nowhere mention buddhi as
 
a distinct mental state although other states like dhi, mati meaning
 
p,'z,jna are stated (Y. Trimsika, 10, Conception of Bud. p. 84-).
 
According to the reformed school of Buddhism, viz. Satyasiddhi
 
  
one mind element alone is substantial and all other mental phenomena
+
also [[buddhi]](; his authority for this opinion is the Chandogyopanisad (I, 5,3) which declares: "'T~: Uif.~ fqf:"f~ ~iIT arqrt{fa: arvf~ 0'1: l':T')f"{~Clq ~iqif ~q I [[Kamas]] sankalpo [[vicikitsa]] [[sraddha]] asraddha dhrtih adhrtih hdh dhirityetat [[sarvam]] [[mana]] eva (Y. his [[bhasya]]). [[Antahkarana]]. inner {{Wiki|organ}} is a collective term favoured by the {{Wiki|Vedantins}} for different mentd [[faculties]]: [[citta]], [[manas]], [[vijnana]] c.nd [[buddhi]], etc. Another collective term generally found in the [[Upanisads]] is [[Sattva]] having the same [[idea]] (v. Sveta. Up. III. 11). A favourite expression in
are only its different moods and nominal but not substantial. This
 
school thus brings under one element all other mental states counted
 
into sixty by the Sarvastivadins as separate subst:mtial elements. The
 
Vijnanavadins do not dispute with the Sarvastivadins and accept their
 
entire list (v. Trimsika and Satadharma. in my Pancavastuka, Appendix).
 
They both differ each other, however in their ontological
 
outlook, i.e. one is Idealist and the other Realist. Sri Sankara once
 
is inclined to deny distinction between manas and buddhi (v. Kena Up,
 
I, 1,5: ~;:qiRifr ;:r i{;:r~, Yan manasa na manute .... mantls includes
 
  
 +
the [[Upanisads]] is Visuddhasattva to convey the [[idea]] that the [[person]] of [[purified mind]] or some inner {{Wiki|faculty}} becomes fit to realize his [[own]] [[self]], [[atman]], Bri',hman (Y. [[Mundaka]] III, 1,8,10, and III, 1,6, etc.). Sattv .. is a [[Sankhya]] {{Wiki|terminology}} for [[buddhi]], [[intellect]] according to. [[Caraka]] (v. my paper on [[Sankhya]], Bharatiya [[Vidya]], 1951, p. 19o.S). May we suggest therefore that this old [[idea]] of [[mind]] o.r intelleet is intended in the term "Bodhi-Sattva", (Bodhi-minded) and "[[Mahasattva]]" (great-minded) ?
  
also buddhi(; his authority for this opinion is the Chandogyopanisad
+
One more [[interesting]] topic I would like to discuss in this co.ntext. The early [[Buddhists]] [[conceive]] that each sensuo.us consciousnefS has its [[own]] basis, viz. the [[eye]] for the [[visual]] [[conscious]], the {{Wiki|ear}} for [[auditory]] one
(I, 5,3) which declares: "'T~: Uif.~ fqf:"f~ ~iIT arqrt{fa:
 
arvf~ 0'1: l':T')f"{~Clq ~iqif ~q I Kamas sankalpo vicikitsa sraddha
 
asraddha dhrtih adhrtih hdh dhirityetat sarvam mana eva (Y. his bhasya).
 
Antahkarana. inner organ is a collective term favoured by the
 
Vedantins for different mentd faculties: citta, manas, vijnana c.nd buddhi,
 
etc. Another collective term generally found in the Upanisads is Sattva
 
having the same idea (v. Sveta. Up. III. 11). A favourite expression in
 
  
the Upanisads is Visuddhasattva to convey the idea that the person of
 
purified mind or some inner faculty becomes fit to realize his own self,
 
atman, Bri',hman (Y. Mundaka III, 1,8,10, and III, 1,6, etc.). Sattv .. is
 
a Sankhya terminology for buddhi, intellect according to. Caraka (v. my
 
paper on Sankhya, Bharatiya Vidya, 1951, p. 19o.S).
 
May we suggest therefore that this old idea of mind o.r intelleet
 
is intended in the term "Bodhi-Sattva", (Bodhi-minded) and "Mahasattva"
 
(great-minded) ?
 
  
One more interesting topic I would like to discuss in this co.ntext.
+
and· so· on; What is the basis for the [[mind]], a sixth {{Wiki|organ}}? The [[Sarvastivadin]] assumes that [[mind's]] just previous [[moment]] serves as the basis for the sub~.equent [[thought]] [[moment]]. But the early [[Theravadin]] would not agree with this because a basis according to them ought to be of the material [[character]]. Hence they postulate Hadayavathu, the heart-substflnce as the [[mind's]] basis. It is further claimed that this postulation has been made in accordance with a popular [[belief]]. (cp. Compendium. p. 279). Now wherefrom does this popular believe come? We have an [[interesting]] nanative in the [[Upanisad]].
The early Buddhists conceive that each sensuo.us consciousnefS has its
 
own basis, viz. the eye for the visual conscious, the ear for auditory one
 
  
 +
The Aita'reyopanisad narrates the process of the world~creation as follows:- Ther(~ \\'as in the beginning one [[Atman]] alone; and no other thing there w.s (lctive (misat). He [[thought]]: I shaH create the [[world]]. He accordingly created these [[worlds]]: Ambhos, Maricis, [[Mara]] and Ap. Ambhas [[world]] is what is the above the [[heaven]], Dyuloka and also a foundation of the [[latter]]. Beneath the haven is [[Antariksa]], that is the [[world]] of Maricis -Rasmis- rflys of the {{Wiki|Sun}}. benecth the Maricis is the [[earth]] known as [[Mara]]: beneath the [[earth]] is Ap- [[water]]. Then the [[Atman]] [[thought]]: I shaH create the [[Lokapalas]], [[guardians of the world]]; then he d'rew out the [[Purusa]] from the waters and other [[great elements]] and shaped him (with head and other parts). He [[heated]] him (by his [[tapas]]); of the [[Purusa]] so [[heated]] the {{Wiki|mouth}} burst like an egg; from the {{Wiki|mouth}} (came out) {{Wiki|speech}} and [[Agni]], [[fire]], {{Wiki|nose}}~; bursting breaths and the [[wind]] came out; the eyeballs bursting came out Caksus, [[eye]] .and therefrom [[Aditya]] ({{Wiki|Sun}}). the [[ears]] bursting (came out) the {{Wiki|ear}} {{Wiki|organ}} and thet'efore quarters; the {{Wiki|skin}} bursting hairs and therefrom [[plants]] and [[trees]] came out: the [[heart]] bursting mana.J, [[mind]] and therefrom the [[moon]] came out; ..... .
  
and· so· on; What is the basis for the mind, a sixth organ? The
+
When the created [[gods]] requested the [[Atman]] to provide with their [[own]] dwelling places, the Purus~, was finally presented before them. They being [[pleased]] entered into their places as per His Order: [[Agni]] becoming {{Wiki|speech}} entered in the {{Wiki|mouth}}, the [[wind]] becoming [[breath]] entered in the noses, [[Aditya]] becoming the [[eye]] entered in the eye-balls. Disas becoming the {{Wiki|ear}} entered in the ear-holes, O~adhi and [[Vanaspati]] becoming hairs entered in the {{Wiki|skin}}. Can dramas becoming [[manas]], [[mind]] entered in the [[heart]] •. •..... (v. I and II) The above {{Wiki|narrative}} makes obvious that each [[sense-organ]] has its [[own]] basis as well as its presiding diety and thus the [[mind]] has the [[heart]] as its basis and the [[moon]] as its presiding diety.
Sarvastivadin assumes that mind's just previous moment serves as the
 
basis for the sub~.equent thought moment. But the early Theravadin
 
would not agree with this because a basis according to them ought
 
to be of the material character. Hence they postulate Hadayavathu,
 
the heart-substflnce as the mind's basis. It is further claimed that this
 
postulation has been made in accordance with a popular belief. (cp.
 
Compendium. p. 279). Now wherefrom does this popular believe
 
come? We have an interesting nanative in the Upanisad.
 
  
The Aita'reyopanisad narrates the process of the world~creation
 
as follows:- Ther(~ \\'as in the beginning one Atman alone; and no
 
other thing there w.s (lctive (misat). He thought: I shaH create
 
the world. He accordingly created these worlds: Ambhos, Maricis,
 
Mara and Ap. Ambhas world is what is the above the heaven,
 
Dyuloka and also a foundation of the latter. Beneath the haven is
 
Antariksa, that is the world of Maricis -Rasmis- rflys of the Sun. benecth
 
the Maricis is the earth known as Mara: beneath the earth is Ap- water.
 
Then the Atman thought: I shaH create the Lokapalas, guardians
 
  
of the world; then he d'rew out the Purusa from the waters and other
+
The same [[Upanisad]] declares on another occasion that the [[heart]] and the [[mind]] are [[identical]]: fad etat hrdayam tan [[mana]] eva. (III, 1,2). It is further stated that all the [[mental states]] such as Samjnana, [[vijnana]] and prajnana and others were all one and the same. This point goes quite in agreement with the Satyasiddhi's contention of one [[mind]] becomi.ng into several [[mental states]].
great elements and shaped him (with head and other parts). He
 
heated him (by his tapas); of the Purusa so heated the mouth burst
 
like an egg; from the mouth (came out) speech and Agni, fire, nose~;
 
bursting breaths and the wind came out; the eyeballs bursting
 
came out Caksus, eye .and therefrom Aditya (Sun). the ears bursting
 
(came out) the ear organ and thet'efore quarters; the skin bursting hairs
 
and therefrom plants and trees came out: the heart bursting mana.J,
 
mind and therefrom the moon came out; ..... .
 
  
When the created gods requested the Atman to provide with
+
Note I (p.6). This [[interpretation]] is quite compatible with a transformation-theorist, Parinama-radin who is generally counted as Sat-karya-vadin, an upholder of the imperceptible presence of the effect in the [[cause]]. Thus when the effect is presen t in the [[cause]], vice-verso also may be the case, i.e. the [[cause]] may be {{Wiki|present}} in the effect. So this [[interpretation]] of Alayais very convincing.
their own dwelling places, the Purus~, was finally presented before them.
 
They being pleased entered into their places as per His Order:
 
Agni becoming speech entered in the mouth, the wind becoming
 
breath entered in the noses, Aditya becoming the eye entered in the
 
eye-balls. Disas becoming the ear entered in the ear-holes, O~adhi
 
and Vanaspati becoming hairs entered in the skin. Can dramas becoming
 
manas, mind entered in the heart •. ..... (v. I and II)
 
The above narrative makes obvious that each sense-organ has its own
 
basis as well as its presiding diety and thus the mind has the heart as its
 
basis and the moon as its presiding diety.
 
  
 +
Note 2 (p.IO). For the transformation-theorist the [[relation]] between the [[cause]] and the effect may be both: [[Wikipedia:Identity (social science)|identity]] and indescribability. [[Vasubandhu]] accordingly says [[Paratantra]] is neither different from nor [[identical]] with [[Parinispanna]] (ver .22 ). The Advaita-Vedantin would also countenmce the same view, efr my paper on [[Gaudapada]] in the Bulletin, Vol VIII, I, P.33 f. Note 3 (p.16). This [[world]] of men is termed here [[Mara]] (~H). The Buddhi.sts can it Maro ("T~), i.e. the ~or1d belong. ing to the [[god of death]].
  
The same Upanisad declares on another occasion that the heart and
 
the mind are identical: fad etat hrdayam tan mana eva. (III, 1,2).
 
It is further stated that all the mental states such as Samjnana, vijnana
 
and prajnana and others were all one and the same. This point goes
 
quite in agreement with the Satyasiddhi's contention of one mind
 
becomi.ng into several mental states.
 
  
Note I (p.6). This interpretation is quite compatible with
 
a transformation-theorist, Parinama-radin who is generally counted
 
as Sat-karya-vadin, an upholder of the imperceptible presence of
 
the effect in the cause. Thus when the effect is presen t in
 
the cause, vice-verso also may be the case, i.e. the cause may
 
be present in the effect. So this interpretation of Alayais very
 
convincing.
 
  
Note 2 (p.IO). For the transformation-theorist the relation
+
{{R}}
between the cause and the effect may be both: identity and
+
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
indescribability. Vasubandhu accordingly says Paratantra is neither
+
[[Category:Buddhism]]
different from nor identical with Parinispanna (ver .22 ). The
+
[[Category:Buddhist Philosophy
Advaita-Vedantin would also countenmce the same view, efr my
+
[[Category:Yogacara]]
paper on Gaudapada in the Bulletin, Vol VIII, I, P.33 f.
+
[[Category:Alaya-vijnana]]
Note 3 (p.16). This world of men is termed here Mara
 
(~H). The Buddhi.sts can it Maro ("T~), i.e. the ~or1d belong.
 
ing to the god of death.
 

Revision as of 00:48, 8 January 2022

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STORE-CONSCIOUSNESS

(Alaya-Vijnana)


A Grand Concept of the Yogacara Buddhists

N.A. Sastri.


Mind has three designations: citta, mznas and vijnana, which indicate one and the same thing (Y. Pancavastuka, p. 36). Some authors distinguish as follows: What is past is manas; what is to come is citta and what is present is vijnana. They are further explained. It is called citta considering its movement to a distant past; it is manas considering its previous movement and it is vijnana considering its


tendency to rebirth (Y. Ibid). A similar distinction is admitted by the Yogacaras: dtta is Alayavijnana; Manas is klistam manas (defiled mind) as well as the mind of immediate past moment; vijnana is what cognizes the object in the present moment (Yogacarabhumi, p.I1) The Sarv(lstivadina too say that the immediate past moment of consciousness is manas, Le. mana indriya, and vijnana is what cognizes its each object (fcmt;f srferfqlft"fii: • vi jnanam prativijnaptih -Kol'a. I. 16).


According to the Satadharmavidyamukh.;t dtta is classified into eight as follows: five sensuous consciousnesses as related to five senses: eye, ear, nose, tongue and body, the sixth: manovijnana, Seventh: Klistam manovijana and the eighth: Alayavijnana (Y. Pancavastuka, Appendix. 49-50). The first six are admitted also by all early Buddhists. The last two are added by the Yogacarins. Takakusu explains the last three types thus: Sense-center, individuali7ing thought-center of Egotism, and store-center of ideation (Essentials, p. 37).

Alaya, store-consciousness is the seed.bed of all that exists. Every seed lies in the store-consciousness and when it sprouts out into object world a reflection returns as a new seed. This new seed lies latent in it and gets manifest when the seed becomes matured under favourable conditions (Ibid). The Yogacarabhumi comments: Defiled mind is always centre of delusion, egotism, arrogence and self-love (II'rq'lT arrdlf~fft.lll~, avidya atmadrsti asmimana trsna). The store-consciousness serves as seat of seeds, abode of all

ideations, and is counted resasultant and a new birth-taking factor (~Cifr:;riRIqp)flf+ITQf"l~qT~I~fqq'JCf;Rt:'.ltffif{,) Yo. ch. p. II). Sarva-bijagatam asrayabhavanistham upadatrvipzkasamgrhitam) According to the Abhidharmasutra all elements are deposited (as seeds) in store-consciousness and the latter again in the former: thus they both go on as mutual causes and effects (M. Vibh. Tika, 18).

This means that the mind reaches out into outer world and perceiving the objects put new ideas into the mind-store. Again these new ideaseeds sprout out to reflect still newer seeds. Thus the seeds are accumulated and stored there. The old seeds and new ones are mutually depending and form ever-rotating cycle (cp. Takakusu, Essential, p. 37). This explanation comes into conflict with the establh.hed tenet of the school (Siddhanta), according to which store-consciousness is only productive cause of all other active censdousnesses (pravrtti-vijnana) which are called collectively 'enjoyable' (upabhoaa). All the impure


elements are stored in it by way of effects and the store-consciousness is related to them by way of efficient cause. It is indeterminate (avyakrta) as either good or bad, because it is essentially resultant of acts of previous life (vipaka). It accumulates all impres5ions of the effects which re~ult from the acts of previous life and are flowing spontaneously therefrom (vipaka-ni9'andophola) because it serves as the final cause of the good and the bad elements (Kusala-akusala-dhatmadhipatyat). Hence it is the efficient cause of all active impure elements as well as the final cause of all active consciousness-bodies (M. Vibh. Tika. p. 17-18).

Vasubandhu who pleads that the entire universe of the subjective and objective elements is mel"e transfonnation of one consciousness (vijnana-parinama) brings it under three heads: I) one Resultant consciousnes'l, 1) one thinking mind and 3) Six types of consciousness representing their re"pective objects, visible matter, etc. Commenting on the first, Resultant consciousness Vasubandhu says:


"It is the resultant and seat of all seeds" (fq'Ulti: whf't"l'lfif{ Vipakah sarvabijakam). It is abode of all seeds of defiling elements; hence it is termed storing centre (alaya). Or all elements are stored in it by w<\y of effects (karya-bhava) and again the stOIing centre is stored in every element by way of cause (karana-bhava).1 It is a resultant effect since it is produced in the form of different sentient beings in different


realms of existence as a result of good and bad acts of previous life. (see Trimsika, ver. 1). Vasubandhu in his Karmasiddhi (Et. lamotte's French Translation in Melanges Chinois Et. Buddhique. Vol. IV. further remarks: It is called Adana-vijnana as it assumes the body; it is Alaya-vijnana as all seeds of dharmas are stored in it; it is Vipaka-vijnana as it is a retribution of the acts of previous life (p. 103).

It is named BhavanBavijnana in the scripture of the Tamrasatiya school, Mulavijnana in the scripture of the Mahasanghika school and Asamsarika-skandha in the scripture of the Mahisasaka ~ chool. (p. 106). Note: Other two skandhas of the Mahisasaka are Ksanika-skandha and ekajanmavadhl-skandha- from Masuda. p. 63. (Ibid. p. 106 n. 13). Asanga also considers alaya as Bhavanga (v. M. sutra!' XI. 32).

Alayavijnana's object and aspect or form (alambana-akara) are imperceptible. In the cessation trance (nirodha-samapatti) there is one consciousness whose object and aspect are diffiuclt to understand; likewise are the object a'ld aspect of Alaya too. It comes under Vijnauo. padanaskandh. But the sutra speaks of the six consciousness-bodies alone and not of the Alayavijnana (separately). Why so? The intention of Buddha is explained in the Sandhinirmocana: Believing that they (ignorant) would iJnagine that the Alayavijnana is the soul, I have not revealed it to the ignorant people (p. 106-7) Sandhinirmocanasutra, stanza cited, p. 103. n. 108:

iIIT({T"fqTif if'!'" ~) ar)~) l1tff "fcrffl ~ihr,:;r) I iij~T'l ~ qfq r( Sl'ilfiTf« +rT~cr an~' qfVTao (talk)itll: II Adanavijnana gabhira suksmo ogho yatha vartati S'lrvabijojbalana eSo mayi an prakasi mahaiva at rna parikalpayeyuhjjcp. Trim. bhas. p. 34 with slight variation in the second line.

Why do they think so? Because this consciousness is beginningless (anadikalika) and continues to the end of Samsara; because it is very subtle in its aspect, it does not chang~. Six consciousness-bodies are gross in their support-object, aspect and model (alambana, akara, visesa) and easier to recognize; since they are associated with pasdons, klesa and pratipaRsamarBa, counteracting path and they are brought under sanklesa and vyavadana, "pollution" and "purification" they are in the nature of result.consciousness. By this reasoning one will understand


that there exists one causal consciousness (hetu-vijnana). The sutra does not speak of this consciousness because it is different from the six ones. That is the intention of the sutra for not speaking of the Alayaconsciousness. Thiswise we explain why the 5utras of other schooh speak of only six consciousness-bodies as Bhavangavijnana •.•. etc •. (p. 108).

Vasubandhu pleads that there will be no harm in accepting one person having two consciousnesses together: (I) cause-consciom.ness and (ii) result-consciousness supporting each other. For, the retribution- consciousnes,s (hetuvijnana) is perfumed by the active consciousness (pravrttivl). When they exis t in two persons there is no such mutual relationship. Therefore we do not have any difficulty in this proposition (p. 109). Ref. also Trimsika, ver. 15'.

We may note here that the position is quite different with the Satyasiddhi. According to this school one person can have only one mind at a time. The presence of two minds at a time involves two persons. This situation has been necessitated for the school on account of its refusing to support the Sarvastivadins' tenet of samprayoga, association of thoughts (v .chs. 65'-76.)

We understand further that the problem of store-consciousness has also been discussed by Vasubandhu in his comment on the DasabhumiSutra wherein this consciousness has ultimately been linked up with the Matrix of Tathagata as its interior source. The well-known Avatamsaka School of Buddhism (which is founded on the Gandavyuha Sutra) has sprung up absorbing much of the traditions and interpretations laid down in the Dasabhumi-Sutra and the comment thereon by Vasubandhu (Essentials, p. IIO-II).

The Yogacara Idealists propounded the store-consciousness as repository of seeds of the active mind and mental states. We should remember that this parent consciousness itself a polluted and impermanent, and hence it cannot serve our urge for the spiritual goal which may act as a guiding principle in our life purpose. Some sort of this rational thinking must have led the later Idealists to postulate the theory of causation by Dharmadhatu, Foundation of Elements which is a universal principle present in every individual; it is also termed T athaoata-aarbha (v. Discussion on this topic in my Bud. Idealism).


Let us take note of Takukusu' s ob5e] vation on the cau~atjontheory of the later Idealists: The theory of causation by DIJQrmaclbatu is the climax of all c~usation theories; it is actually the conclusion of the theory of causal origination as it is the univenal cr,usation and it is already within the theory of universal immanence, pamophhm, cosmotheism Or whatever it may be called. (Essentials, p. 113). The causation theory was first expressed by action-cause, since the action originates in ideation the theory was in the sceond stage expressed by the Ideation-store; the latter ag<:,in was in the third stage expressed as originated in the Matrix of Tathagata, Tathagatagarbha (cp. Ibid).

The above process of thinking is truly a clim"x in the develop· ment of Buddhist thought. The theory of ~usation by the sole actioninfluence was pleaded by the early Buddhists with a view to saving an absurd situation arising out of their no-soul doctrine. The Brahmanical system pleads for the soul as a spark of divine power implying thereby the presence of God in every individual. Since God is dethroned in Buddhism the soul is also likewise dropped. Thus the doctrine of


immanece (antaryami-vada) that has been emphasized in the Brahmanical and other religious scriptures was not favoured in the early stage of Buddhism. Now we find a revival in Mahayana Buddhism of the doctrinef of immance in the form of Dharmadhatu or Tathagata-garbha which is a reverse mode of store-consciousness (v. Ratnagotra for detailed elucidation of the Garbha-theory).

The transcendental knowledge which comes in the possession of a Yogin at the final stage of his spiritual endeavour ru.s been designated by Vasubandhu as Dharmakaya, Anasravadhatu, Asrayaparavrtti. Vasubandhu speaks of it as a:rT~llq~l¥fft', Asraya-paravrtti, because a metamorphosis of Asraya-store-consciousness is effected into a non-dual knowedge (which is the same as Dharmakaya) as a result of dispelling the biotic forces of duali~m which are active from immemorial days (his Trimsika, vel'. 19-30 with Bhasya of Sthiramati).

Vajra-Samadhi calls it Amala-jnana, immaculate knowledge. Since this knowledge flashes up trasplanting the polluted store-consciousness ithas been considered a nineth pure knowledge in the Vajra-Samadhi (v. Lie benthal, Tung pao, XLlV.P.349). The relatioruhip between these two knowledges, may either be identity or diversity. The identity view is perhaps favoured by Vasubandhu and his school because the transcendental knowledge is not counted as the nineth in the early


texts of the school whereas the diversity view is endorsed in the V. samadhi. There is possibly a third view 2, viz. the view of indescribability which may also be the opinion of Vasub:mdhu (v. his Trimsika, vr.22.)

The nomenclature 'store-consciousness', 'Alaya-vijnana' is not quite popular with the logical school of Dignaga, though the school advocates strongly in favour of the idealistic outlook of the universe. Dignaga, for example, after proving the impossibility of external objects existing either in an atomic form or aggregate form elucidates in fine how to account for our marlifold experiences of things in the outside world. He says : It is the object of our knowledge which

exists internally in the knowledge itself as a knowable aspects and this knowable aspect appears to us as though it exists externally (v. Alam. pariksa, ver .6). Here in this context Dignaga is not enthusiast to speak of the nomenclature of Alaya-vijnana, though his commentator, Vinitadeva makes good the lapse' (v. the forthcoming publication of th is comment from Tib. ven.ion) . Dignaga' s reluctance might be prompted by the adverse comment from the· opposite camp like the

Madhyamikas and others. A similar situation may also account. for the Lankavatara Sutra's cautious approach to the Yogacatas' eight-fold division of consciousness. The Suta, though g'ouped under the Yogacara classics is leaned towards the Prajnaparamita doctrine as is evident from its solemn declaration that the said eight types of consciousness are not at all transformations of one basic mind. They are indistinguishable like the ocean and its waves, hence they are of one and the same trait

a:rf+r~"l&llJfjr~tft " ~IflI'T "Trq "lW'fl{ I \3~eTl!if Cf,{'WllTt ll~ <lJ~ f~l{ I fq;m;l ~~t . f:q\9': qf,{IlTT'~)" wl;W II (cp. Tucci's paper, IHQ. IV. 545, f).

The great champion of the Madhyamaka school, Candrakirti comments: The advocate of the store-consciousness pleads that it is the seat of the seeds of all active consciousnesses and it produces the appearance of the world. This advocacy resembles the Brahmanical system pleading for God as a creator of the universe .. One difference between them is that God is viewed permanent and the Alaya impermanent but in other respect they differ not much. (v. my Sanskrit text. Madhi. Avatara, Ch.VI, P.42).


The same accusation has been levelled by. Acarya Bhavaviveka in his Karatala~rtna. : If Dharma-kaya, Norm-body which is characterized by the Yogacara as Asraya-paravrtti, met,,!molphosis of the storeconsciousness be admitted in an existing self-being, then it is hardly distinguishable from the soul, AtlTh'l.n of the Brhmanical system becau~e the soul also is described in their scripture as something existent, but beyond the reach by word and mind (v. My skt. text, p. 7S-6). Going back still earlier we have the Satyasddhi hurling strictures on such theories thus : The concepts of Purusa (or Pudgala) and alaya are all wrong views. This tense remark reveals that this author is inclined to bring them under the categOl:y of a perverted notion (Y. ch. IP)·

It appears that the Alaya-doctrine does not appeal so much to the Tibetan mystics as the doctrine of Sunyata does. The Tibctan Yogin Milarepa bears witness to this own sUlmise. The following statements about him may be notEd here: "He was master architect, well-versed in the exposition of thc science of the Clear Void Mind, wherein all forms and substances have their cause and origin" (Tibet's Great Yogi, Milarfpa, W.Y. EV.1ns-Wentz, po 36) 0 "He was a most learned professor in the SciEnce of the Mind". (po3S, para.2)

It is reported that Milart'pa himself uttered the following : As the mere name of food doth not satisfy the appetite of the hungry person, but he must eat food, S0, also a man who would learn about the Voidne,s of Thought, must meditate so us to realize it .. 0 0 In short, habituation to the contemplation of voidnes5 of EquiliblUm, of the Indescribable, of the Incognizable forms the four differEnt stages of the Four Degrees of Initiation graduated steps in the ultimate goal of the mystic Vajra-yanao, (PP.I4.2-143).

To what particular doctrine of Mahaynna Sect he belongs? Milarepa replied: It was the highest creed of Mahayana, it was called the Path of Total Self-Abnegation, for the pm pose of attaining Buddhahood in one life-time .... (po IS6). I was perfectly convinced that the real source of both Samsara and Nirvz,na lay in the Voidrness (of the Supra-mundane Mind). (po 209). Noteworthy is the saying uttered on the occasion of his fntering into Find Nirvcma


That which is of the nature of the uncreated, the Dharma-dhatu, the unborn, the Voidness, the Sunyata hath no beginning nor doth it evercease to be, E'en birth and death are of the nature of the Voidness. Such being the Real Truth, avoid doubts and misgiving about it (p. 288). Sunyata, Void or Voidness in the above passages conveys the idea of an absolute and unqualified voidness which approaches nearer to the Madhyamika's conception of the term than to the Yogacara's positive one, efr. Notes on pp. 37, n.s, 28s,n.3, 288,n.3, etc.

Here we may incidentally take note of an interesting piece of truth a common creed of the Yogacara Buddhists that is vouchsaved by Milarepa in the saying: "I understand that all sentient beings possess a ray of the Eternal and that we mmt work for their salvation and development" (p. 85). This confession seems to be an echo of the Garbha theory of the Yogacaras.

Et. Lamotte has drawn our attention to the fact that the term alaya can be traced to Pali canonical sources in the passages : at~lff~T"T ~T q;w.j ~ a:rll'"S'~:r~a-T atT'"fllfiffir, alayarama kho panayam paja alayarata alayamdita, "people are delighted in alaya, engrossed in alaya and joyous inalaya" (Ref. Digh.II.P.36,3,37,25; Majhima I, 167, 32, Samyutta I, P.136,1I: Anguttara II, P.131,30; Mahavastu III, P.314,3). But its sense is pancakamaguna, five objects of five senses according to comment on Digh. later the Vijnanavadins found in the passage a justification of their theory of Alayavijnana, psychological basis of the school. He further remarks that the Vimalakirti still ignores the Vijnanavadin (Et. Lamotte op. cit. p. 246, n.4). Refer to Majh.I.190 speaking of the Alaya in parallel with chanda (wish), anunaya (pursuit) and so on. The renowned Buddhist poet Asvaghosa still ignores the later technical sense of the term in this line : Loke, smin alayarame nivrrttau durlabha ratih. The taste towards the retreat is very rare in this world which is engrossed in enjoing the sensual pleasures, alaya. Sundarananda, XII,22


Some Brahmanical Parallels

The advocate of transformation-theory (parinamayada) on the Brahmanical side is the Sankhya philosopher. His eight rudimentary elements are comparable with the Vijnanavadin's groups of eight consciousnesses. The Sankhya eight rudiments are: Pradhana or Avyakrta, ahankara, buddhi and five great elements (y. Bud. carita, XII, 18, Caraka, Sarira, ch.1 and Gita, XIII, 5). The classical Sankhya replaced the five gl'eat elements by their corresponding five subtle ones a parallel development is also noticeable in the Satya-Siddhi (Ch. 36). The Bhagavat Gita in an earlier Chap. VII, 4 declares that the Nature,

Prakrti is distinguished into eight: Five great elements, mind, manas, intellect, buddhi and individuation, ahankara. The polluted mind of the Vijnanavadin may be compJ.red with ahankara because both are sources of the I-notion, the Gita's mind with Alaya-consciousness and buddhi with mano-vijnana. Caraka assigsns to Buddhi the function of I-notion from which state are produced five great elements. The mind, manas as producer of the world has been stated in the Mundaka Up. (I. 1,8) according to the interpretation of Sri Sankara (y. his bhasya). This is probably only the passage which mentions the mind as the source 9f other element~, earth, etc. Let it be noted however that the mind, in turn, is a, product of the personal Brahman called Prana, breath.

It has been previously stated that ciua, manas and vijnana signify one and the ~ame thing for the Buddhists. The Taittiviya Up. (11.4) mentions manas and vijnana as distinct elements (cp. Katha. III, 1,3)g Sankara takes vijnana for buddhi (v. his bhasya). The classical defini. tion of manas and buddhi is that the former is characterized as designin( sanka/pa) and the latter as deciding (ax},yoyasaya), (Y. Sankhya-karika, 13, 11) and also accepted by Sankara (v. Taitt, bhasya, II, 3,4, and Gita II, 41,44). There are certain contexts where Sankara is obliged to identify vijnana and manas (Taitt. II, 6 Bha.) and jnana and buddhi as one element (T. kath.a, III, 1,13, bha.).

The Prasnopanisad, while explaining "Sarva" "all" enumerates four distinct states: manas, mind, buddhi, intellect, ahankara, individuation and citta, spirit together with their respestive objects : mantavya, boddhavya, ahankartavya and cetayilavya. The last element in this group of "all" is p'ana indicating thereby that it is the source as well as the binding factor of the entire group. Incidentally we may note here that this "Sarva" may correspond roughly with the Buddhist .. Sarva" which covers the entire universe grouped into twelve bases


("yatana). This apart, the Upanisads and the Gita speck plominently of the states: mmas and buddhi probably as a result of the Sankhya speculation which perhaps senes as the nucleas of the early metaphysical rackonings in India. The Buddhists nowhere mention buddhi as a distinct mental state although other states like dhi, mati meaning p,'z,jna are stated (Y. Trimsika, 10, Conception of Bud. p. 84-). According to the reformed school of Buddhism, viz. Satyasiddhi

one mind element alone is substantial and all other mental phenomena are only its different moods and nominal but not substantial. This school thus brings under one element all other mental states counted into sixty by the Sarvastivadins as separate subst:mtial elements. The Vijnanavadins do not dispute with the Sarvastivadins and accept their entire list (v. Trimsika and Satadharma. in my Pancavastuka, Appendix). They both differ each other, however in their ontological outlook, i.e. one is Idealist and the other Realist. Sri Sankara once is inclined to deny distinction between manas and buddhi (v. Kena Up, I, 1,5: ~;:qiRifr ;:r i{;:r~, Yan manasa na manute .... mantls includes


also buddhi(; his authority for this opinion is the Chandogyopanisad (I, 5,3) which declares: "'T~: Uif.~ fqf:"f~ ~iIT arqrt{fa: arvf~ 0'1: l':T')f"{~Clq ~iqif ~q I Kamas sankalpo vicikitsa sraddha asraddha dhrtih adhrtih hdh dhirityetat sarvam mana eva (Y. his bhasya). Antahkarana. inner organ is a collective term favoured by the Vedantins for different mentd faculties: citta, manas, vijnana c.nd buddhi, etc. Another collective term generally found in the Upanisads is Sattva having the same idea (v. Sveta. Up. III. 11). A favourite expression in

the Upanisads is Visuddhasattva to convey the idea that the person of purified mind or some inner faculty becomes fit to realize his own self, atman, Bri',hman (Y. Mundaka III, 1,8,10, and III, 1,6, etc.). Sattv .. is a Sankhya terminology for buddhi, intellect according to. Caraka (v. my paper on Sankhya, Bharatiya Vidya, 1951, p. 19o.S). May we suggest therefore that this old idea of mind o.r intelleet is intended in the term "Bodhi-Sattva", (Bodhi-minded) and "Mahasattva" (great-minded) ?

One more interesting topic I would like to discuss in this co.ntext. The early Buddhists conceive that each sensuo.us consciousnefS has its own basis, viz. the eye for the visual conscious, the ear for auditory one


and· so· on; What is the basis for the mind, a sixth organ? The Sarvastivadin assumes that mind's just previous moment serves as the basis for the sub~.equent thought moment. But the early Theravadin would not agree with this because a basis according to them ought to be of the material character. Hence they postulate Hadayavathu, the heart-substflnce as the mind's basis. It is further claimed that this postulation has been made in accordance with a popular belief. (cp. Compendium. p. 279). Now wherefrom does this popular believe come? We have an interesting nanative in the Upanisad.

The Aita'reyopanisad narrates the process of the world~creation as follows:- Ther(~ \\'as in the beginning one Atman alone; and no other thing there w.s (lctive (misat). He thought: I shaH create the world. He accordingly created these worlds: Ambhos, Maricis, Mara and Ap. Ambhas world is what is the above the heaven, Dyuloka and also a foundation of the latter. Beneath the haven is Antariksa, that is the world of Maricis -Rasmis- rflys of the Sun. benecth the Maricis is the earth known as Mara: beneath the earth is Ap- water. Then the Atman thought: I shaH create the Lokapalas, guardians of the world; then he d'rew out the Purusa from the waters and other great elements and shaped him (with head and other parts). He heated him (by his tapas); of the Purusa so heated the mouth burst like an egg; from the mouth (came out) speech and Agni, fire, nose~; bursting breaths and the wind came out; the eyeballs bursting came out Caksus, eye .and therefrom Aditya (Sun). the ears bursting (came out) the ear organ and thet'efore quarters; the skin bursting hairs and therefrom plants and trees came out: the heart bursting mana.J, mind and therefrom the moon came out; ..... .

When the created gods requested the Atman to provide with their own dwelling places, the Purus~, was finally presented before them. They being pleased entered into their places as per His Order: Agni becoming speech entered in the mouth, the wind becoming breath entered in the noses, Aditya becoming the eye entered in the eye-balls. Disas becoming the ear entered in the ear-holes, O~adhi and Vanaspati becoming hairs entered in the skin. Can dramas becoming manas, mind entered in the heart •. •..... (v. I and II) The above narrative makes obvious that each sense-organ has its own basis as well as its presiding diety and thus the mind has the heart as its basis and the moon as its presiding diety.


The same Upanisad declares on another occasion that the heart and the mind are identical: fad etat hrdayam tan mana eva. (III, 1,2). It is further stated that all the mental states such as Samjnana, vijnana and prajnana and others were all one and the same. This point goes quite in agreement with the Satyasiddhi's contention of one mind becomi.ng into several mental states.

Note I (p.6). This interpretation is quite compatible with a transformation-theorist, Parinama-radin who is generally counted as Sat-karya-vadin, an upholder of the imperceptible presence of the effect in the cause. Thus when the effect is presen t in the cause, vice-verso also may be the case, i.e. the cause may be present in the effect. So this interpretation of Alayais very convincing.

Note 2 (p.IO). For the transformation-theorist the relation between the cause and the effect may be both: identity and indescribability. Vasubandhu accordingly says Paratantra is neither different from nor identical with Parinispanna (ver .22 ). The Advaita-Vedantin would also countenmce the same view, efr my paper on Gaudapada in the Bulletin, Vol VIII, I, P.33 f. Note 3 (p.16). This world of men is termed here Mara (~H). The Buddhi.sts can it Maro ("T~), i.e. the ~or1d belong. ing to the god of death.


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