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What is Yogācāra?
Yogācāra, also known as the "Mind-only" school, is a philosophical tradition within Buddhism that emerged in India during the 4th century CE. It is based on the idea that reality is a projection of consciousness, and that the mind is the ultimate source of all experience and perception.
The term "Yogācāra" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yoga," meaning "union" or "connection," and "cāra," meaning "practice" or "conduct." Thus, Yogācāra can be translated as "the practice of union" or "the conduct of yoga." This refers to the ultimate goal of this tradition, which is to achieve a state of complete union with reality through the practice of meditation and other spiritual practices.
At the core of Yogācāra philosophy is the concept of "vijñapti-mātra," which can be translated as "mind-only" or "consciousness-only." This concept holds that all phenomena, including the external world and our own perceptions, are ultimately projections of the mind. In other words, everything we experience is a result of our own consciousness.
According to Yogācāra, the mind has two aspects: the "storehouse consciousness" (ālaya-vijñāna) and the "discriminating consciousness" (manas). The storehouse consciousness is the repository of all past experiences, impressions, and tendencies, while the discriminating consciousness is responsible for creating the illusion of a separate self and the perception of an external world.
The goal of Yogācāra is to transcend these dualistic perceptions and realize the true nature of reality, which is said to be pure, undifferentiated consciousness. This state of consciousness is known as "ālaya-vijñāna," or "storehouse consciousness," and is believed to be the ultimate reality underlying all phenomena.
To achieve this realization, Yogācāra emphasizes the practice of meditation and mindfulness, as well as the cultivation of ethical behavior and compassion towards all beings. By purifying the mind and freeing it from the illusions of the ego and external reality, one can attain a state of liberation and ultimate union with reality.
In conclusion, Yogācāra is a philosophical tradition within Buddhism that teaches the concept of "mind-only" or "consciousness-only," and emphasizes the practice of meditation and ethical conduct as a means to transcend dualistic perceptions and achieve union with the ultimate reality. It offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the role of the mind in shaping our experiences, making it a valuable contribution to the Buddhist tradition.