Yogācāra
What are the main texts of Yogācāra?
The Yogācāra school, also known as the "Mind-only" school, is one of the major branches of Mahāyāna Buddhism. It originated in India during the 4th century and was further developed and spread to other parts of Asia, particularly China and Tibet. The main focus of Yogācāra is the nature of consciousness and its role in shaping reality. In this school, it is believed that the ultimate reality is a projection of the mind and that external objects are mere reflections of our consciousness.
The main texts of Yogācāra are the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra and the Mahāyānasaṃgraha. The Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, also known as the "Treatise on the Stages of Yogācāra Practice," is considered to be the foundational text of this school. It was written by Asaṅga, one of the key figures in the development of Yogācāra, and is believed to have been completed in the 4th century. This text provides a comprehensive explanation of Yogācāra philosophy, including the nature of consciousness, the concept of the three natures (trisvabhāva), and the eight consciousnesses.
The Mahāyānasaṃgraha, or the "Compendium of the Great Vehicle," is another important text of Yogācāra. It was also written by Asaṅga and is considered to be a summary of his larger work, the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra. This text presents a systematic overview of Yogācāra teachings and is often used as a study guide for students of this school.
Apart from these two main texts, there are also other important works in Yogācāra, such as the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra, the Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra, and the Madhyāntavibhāga. These texts provide further insights into the Yogācāra philosophy and its practical applications.
In addition to these primary texts, there are also commentaries and sub-commentaries written by prominent Yogācāra scholars, such as Vasubandhu, Dignāga, and Dharmapāla. These commentaries provide a deeper understanding of the main texts and help to clarify any ambiguities or complexities in the Yogācāra teachings.
Overall, the main texts of Yogācāra play a crucial role in shaping the understanding and practice of this school of Buddhism. They provide a comprehensive framework for exploring the nature of consciousness and its relationship to reality, and serve as a guide for practitioners seeking to attain enlightenment through the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.