The Yogacara Transformation of the Mind

 

PURIFICATION OF THE KARMIC SEEDS

QUESTION:

“As for Āśrsya-parāvrtti, please describe in great detail Yogacara’s prescription and technique for transforming a defiled consciousness into a purified consciousness.”

GEMINI:

The concept of Āśraya-parāvṛtti, or "transformation of the basis," is a cornerstone of Yogācāra philosophy, representing the radical shift from defiled to purified consciousness. It's not simply a change in mental state, but a fundamental restructuring of how consciousness operates. Here's a detailed look at Yogācāra's perspective:

Understanding the "Basis" (Āśraya):

• The "basis" refers primarily to the ālaya-vijñāna, the storehouse consciousness. This is where the "seeds" (bīja) of past karmic actions and mental impressions are stored.

• These seeds influence our perceptions, thoughts, and emotions, creating the illusion of a separate self and an external world.

• In its defiled state, the ālaya-vijñāna perpetuates the cycle of suffering (saṃsāra) by generating biased and distorted perceptions.

The Transformation Process:

Āśraya-parāvṛtti involves a profound reorientation of this basis, leading to the cessation of these defilements. This transformation is not a sudden event, but a gradual process involving:

• Analysis of Consciousness (Vijñāna-vāda):

  • Yogācāra emphasizes the meticulous examination of consciousness through meditation and introspection.

  • This involves dissecting the various levels of consciousness, identifying the sources of defilement, and understanding how perceptions are constructed.

• Cultivation of Wisdom (Prajñā):

  • Developing insight into the nature of reality, particularly the emptiness (śūnyatā) of inherent existence.

  • This wisdom dismantles the conceptual constructs that create the illusion of a separate self and external world.

• Elimination of Afflictive Emotions (Kleśas):

  • Working to eradicate negative mental states like attachment, aversion, and ignorance.

  • This involves recognizing these emotions as arising from distorted perceptions and applying antidotes to counteract them.

• Purification of Seeds (Bīja-śodhana):

  • Gradually weakening and eliminating the defiled seeds within the ālaya-vijñāna.

  • This is achieved through sustained meditative practice and the cultivation of positive mental states.

• Attainment of Non-Conceptual Wisdom:

  • Ultimately, Āśraya-parāvṛtti culminates in the attainment of non-conceptual wisdom, where the mind transcends dualistic thinking.

  • This leads to the realization of the perfected nature (pariniṣpanna-svabhāva) of reality.

Techniques and Practices:

• Meditation (Dhyāna):

  • Yogācāra places great emphasis on meditative practices, particularly those involving the observation of consciousness.

  • This includes practices like:

    • Vipassanā (insight meditation) to examine the nature of mental phenomena.

    • Śamatha (calm-abiding meditation) to develop mental stability and focus.

• Yogic Practices:

  • The term "Yogācāra" itself implies the importance of yogic practices in transforming consciousness.

  • These practices encompass a range of techniques, including:

    • Visualization.

    • Breath control.

    • Mental cultivation.

Key Aspects:

• The transformation is not a destruction of consciousness, but a purification of it.

• It involves a shift from a distorted to an accurate perception of reality.

• It is the goal of Yogācāra practice, leading to liberation from suffering.

In essence, Āśraya-parāvṛtti is the culmination of Yogācāra's psychological and contemplative practices, resulting in a profound and lasting transformation of consciousness.