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Different Functions of Store Consciousness
Taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha allows us to see the path of light, to open the doors of transformation, and to be supported in our practice. Hell and the Kingdom of God are to be found in every one of our cells, because the one contains the all. Suffering plays a crucial role in cultivating understanding and love; without mud, there is no lotus. Rather than repressing pain or running away from it through consumption, the practice is to generate the energy of mindfulness in order to recognize and embrace our negative mental formations with tenderness, like a mother holding her baby or a radiator warming cold air.
This process of transformation follows four steps: 1. Recognizing the presence of suffering, 2. Non-violently embracing anger or despair, 3. Soothing the pain with the energy of mindfulness, and 4. Looking deeply to understand the nature of what is and to obtain liberating insight. If our own energy is too weak, the support of the Sangha is indispensable to help us embrace our suffering.
Seeds manifest as formations, and formations in turn plant seeds. These bīja, or seeds, have six characteristics:
- The simultaneity of cause and effect, existing at the same time as their fruit.
- Momentary impermanence, being born and dying at every instant.
- Continuous transformation in relationship with other formations.
- Waiting for favorable conditions in order to manifest.
- The capacity to bring about their own specific fruit.
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Determinate continuity.
Education and transformation take place through vasana, imprinting, which allows us to modify store consciousness and our habit energies.