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What does "mind-only" mean in Yogācāra?
In Yogācāra philosophy, the term "mind-only" refers to the belief that reality is ultimately a projection of consciousness. This means that everything we experience, including the external world and our own thoughts and emotions, is ultimately created by our minds.
According to Yogācāra, the mind is the primary source of all phenomena. It is the basis of our perception, cognition, and consciousness. Our minds are constantly creating and interpreting our experiences, shaping them into what we perceive as reality.
This concept can be understood through the analogy of a dream. Just as our minds create and shape our dreams, they also create and shape our waking experiences. In both cases, the mind is the ultimate source of what we perceive.
Yogācāra also teaches that our minds are not separate from the external world. Rather, the external world is a manifestation of our minds. This means that our experiences are not purely objective, but are influenced by our individual perceptions and interpretations.
The mind-only perspective challenges the commonly held belief that there is an objective reality independent of our minds. Instead, it suggests that reality is a subjective experience, unique to each individual.
Furthermore, Yogācāra teaches that our minds are not fixed, but are constantly changing and evolving. This means that our experiences and perceptions are also fluid and can be transformed through the practice of mindfulness and meditation.
One of the key teachings of Yogācāra is to recognize and understand the true nature of our minds. By doing so, we can gain insight into the nature of reality and our own experiences. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
In summary, "mind-only" in Yogācāra refers to the belief that reality is a projection of consciousness. This concept challenges our understanding of an objective reality and encourages us to explore the nature of our own minds. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we live in.