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An Overview of the Study of Consciousness-Only
Object as it is does not depend on the mind; this is Suchness, the ultimate reality that is not subject to perception. If we color it black or pink, that is not the true object as it is. This absolute reality is entirely different from the images or notions in our mind, which are divided into three objects of perception:
- Object as it is (the thing-in-itself)
- Object with associated qualities (the notion of the thing in the mind)
- Object as a mere image (the image created by the mind, like in a dream)
For example, Paris itself is the object as it is; Paris in our mind is the object with associated qualities; Paris in a dream is the object as a mere image. In dreams, images and feelings are always a mixture of illusion and true nature (object with associated qualities), like the sound of grinding ink becoming the sound of milling rice, the sensation of cold becoming a frozen lake, or heat becoming a bakery oven. The mere image object has two kinds:
- With substance – based on reality (such as dreaming of an elephant one has actually seen)
- Without substance – entirely created by the mind (an elephant with wings flying)
Each perception consists of three parts: the perceiving aspect (subject), the form aspect (object), and the self-nature aspect (the fundamental nature). The object with associated qualities is also divided into true associated quality (mind engaging with mind) and likeness of associated quality (mind engaging with form). Understanding these elements helps us live mindfully, not being deluded by appearances, always turning toward the unchanging object as it is.