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Spheres of Cognition Alaya Vijnana

Thich Nhat Hanh · April 18, 2002 · Plum Village, France
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This talk details the three spheres of cognition, tam canh, ultimate reality tan kan, and concepts doi chakkan and Svalaksana beyond time and space. The ultimate reality becomes Samanyalaksana when grasped within constructs of time and space. Buddha teaches impermanence and no separate self, reflecting ultimate reality as absolute no-self and no-time. Understanding biệt tướng (separate) and tổng tướng (general) involves observing integration (Hangtong) and disintegration (Huaitong) processes. Recognizing six marks shows impermanence and no-self. Sanskrit terms Va Lakshana and Samanya Lakshana aid cognition modes like Pratyaksha Pramana. Mental consciousness and senses perceive ultimate reality through cognition modes Anumana, Vamana, Thanh Giao Luang, Than Yama, and Phi Luang. Alaya Vijnana holds seeds of experiences, manifesting consciousnesses and objects. Shotan encompasses manifestations and seeds, reflecting shared awareness. Tang involves holding, storing, and attachment. Understanding nang tang (holder), sở tàn (what is held), and ngã ái (victim of attachment and love) illustrates interconnected consciousness and objects.

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