Significance of Alayavijnana
Alayavijnana in Buddhism represents a unique aspect of consciousness, primarily in the realm of form, shaping our interactions with objects. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is viewed as repository consciousness that retains accumulated experiences and habit energies, thereby affecting perceptions and actions. Additionally, Alayavijnana is a key concept in the Idealist school, highlighting a foundational consciousness that underlies all experiences and maintains clear awareness free from fixation, ultimately guiding engagement with the world.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Alayavijnana'
Alayavijnana in Buddhism is interpreted as a foundational consciousness that underlies experiences, guides engagement with objects, serves as a clear awareness, and acts as a repository for accumulated experiences and habit energies influencing perceptions and actions.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The store consciousness in Buddhism that underlies the formation of personal identity and the continuity of experiences, associated with habitual tendencies.[1] (2) The foundational layer of consciousness where all experiences are stored, often described as the 'storehouse consciousness.'[2] (3) The foundational consciousness that serves as the basis for mental processes and experiences in both individuals and all sentient beings.[3] (4) The Alaya mind, a foundational consciousness that stores all experiences and tendencies, serving as the basis for individual consciousness.[4] (5) The repository consciousness that maintains the accumulated experiences and habit energies of beings, influencing their perceptions and actions.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A central concept in the Idealist school of Buddhism, referring to a foundational consciousness that underlies all experiences.[6]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The storehouse of universal consciousness that relates to the preceding discussion on consciousness in the context of enlightenment.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A level of consciousness that is associated with the alaya, where the mental processes and awareness connect, often resulting in the emergence of luminous non-thought.[8] (2) The aspect of consciousness that embodies clear awareness of luminous quality and non-thought, and serves as a vehicle for understanding the nature of perception.[9] (3) A form of awareness that occurs when apparent objects are perceived clearly and without conceptualization.[10] (4) A specific type of consciousness that is principal in the realm of form, guiding engagement with objects.[11] (5) The clear and vivid awareness, devoid of fixation, which serves as the basis of consciousness.[12]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A term used to describe a series or chain of cognitions, suggesting a deeper connection between cognition and a wider consciousness beyond physical form.[13]