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What are the main teachings of Yogācāra?
The main teachings of Yogācāra, also known as the "Mind-only" school of Buddhism, revolve around the idea that reality is a projection of consciousness. This school of thought emerged in India around the 4th century CE and became a prominent branch of Mahayana Buddhism.
One of the key teachings of Yogācāra is the concept of "vijñapti-mātra," which translates to "consciousness-only." This refers to the belief that all phenomena, including the external world, are ultimately a product of the mind. According to Yogācāra, our perception of reality is shaped by our consciousness, and therefore, reality is not objective but rather subjective.
Another important teaching of Yogācāra is the "eight consciousnesses" model. This model divides the mind into eight different levels of consciousness, with the first five being related to the five senses, the sixth being the mind's ability to process information, and the last two being the storehouse consciousness and the alaya consciousness. The storehouse consciousness is seen as the repository of all past experiences and impressions, while the alaya consciousness is considered the foundation of all other consciousnesses.
Yogācāra also emphasizes the concept of "ālaya-vijñāna," which is the idea of a fundamental, underlying consciousness that connects all beings. This consciousness is seen as the source of all individual consciousnesses and is said to be the ultimate reality.
The teachings of Yogācāra also include the idea of "dependent origination," which states that all phenomena arise due to causes and conditions. This is closely related to the concept of karma, which states that our actions and intentions have consequences that shape our experiences.
In addition to these main teachings, Yogācāra also emphasizes the practice of meditation and mindfulness as a means to gain insight into the nature of reality and overcome delusion. Yogācāra practitioners also strive to cultivate compassion and wisdom, as these are seen as essential qualities for achieving enlightenment.
Overall, the main teachings of Yogācāra revolve around the idea that reality is a projection of consciousness and that understanding this can lead to liberation from suffering. By recognizing the role of our own minds in shaping our experiences, we can gain insight into the true nature of reality and ultimately achieve enlightenment.