We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Mind, Consciousness, and the Three Characteristics of Alaya
In the talk, Thay clearly distinguishes between the three concepts of mind (citta), manas (manas), and consciousness (vijñāna):
- Manas is mentation, discursive thinking.
- Consciousness (vijñāna) is the capacity to discriminate the six sense objects (form, sound, smell, taste, touch, and objects of mind) through the six consciousnesses.
- Mind (citta) has its own distinct meaning and cannot be identified with either manas or consciousness.
Thay then discusses alaya-vijñāna (store consciousness) and points out three mistaken notions about it:
- To consider alaya as the five grasping aggregates.
- To consider alaya as pleasurable feeling associated with craving.
- To consider alaya as self-view.
Not accepting these three interpretations, Thay suggests using the term alaya-vijñāna directly and studying its three characteristics:
- Own characteristic (svabhāva): this consciousness stores and contains the seeds of all phenomena, wholesome and unwholesome.
- Causal characteristic: this consciousness is always present as the cause for the arising of all phenomena, wholesome and unwholesome.
- Resultant characteristic: this consciousness is maintained by the simultaneous arising and ceasing of the phenomena it has stored (vāsanā), like sesame seeds absorbing the scent of flowers, the imprinting of craving, or the practice and contemplation of the Dharma.
