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How does Yogācāra view reality?

Yogācāra, also known as the "Mind-only" school of Buddhism, views reality as a projection of consciousness. This means that the external world we perceive is not separate from our own minds, but rather a manifestation of our consciousness. In other words, reality is not something that exists independently from us, but is rather a construct of our own minds.

According to Yogācāra, our minds are constantly creating and projecting our experiences onto the world. This is known as the "storehouse consciousness," which contains all of our past experiences, thoughts, and perceptions. From this storehouse, our minds project these experiences onto the external world, creating our perceived reality.

One of the key principles of Yogācāra is the concept of "vijñapti-mātra," which translates to "consciousness-only." This refers to the idea that all phenomena, including the external world, are nothing but mental constructions. It is our minds that give rise to the appearance of objects, and without our consciousness, these objects would not exist.

Yogācāra also believes that our perceptions of reality are influenced by our past experiences and conditioning. This is known as "ālaya-vijñāna," or the "storehouse consciousness." Our past experiences and conditioning shape how we perceive the world, and these perceptions are constantly being projected onto our external reality.

Additionally, Yogācāra teaches that the external world is constantly changing and impermanent. This is because our consciousness is constantly projecting and creating new experiences and perceptions. As a result, our perceived reality is always in flux and never fixed.

In Yogācāra, there is also an emphasis on the importance of understanding and controlling our minds. By recognizing that reality is a projection of our consciousness, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By cultivating a clear and pure mind, we can create a more positive and harmonious reality.

In conclusion, Yogācāra views reality as a projection of consciousness. Our minds are constantly creating and projecting our experiences onto the external world, and our perceptions are influenced by our past experiences and conditioning. By understanding and controlling our minds, we can create a more positive and harmonious reality.