Significance of Ear consciousness
Ear consciousness in both Mahayana and Theravada traditions refers to the awareness that arises from the interaction between the ear and sound. In Mahayana, it emphasizes the characteristics shaped by various conditions and the distinction of experiences as pleasurable or displeasurable. Theravada focuses on the quality of hearing and categorizes ear consciousness similarly to eye-consciousness, describing it as an aspect of awareness that perceives auditory stimuli. Both traditions underline the significance of the ear’s functioning in the perception of sound.
Synonyms: Auditory perception
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ear consciousness'
Ear consciousness in Buddhism is the awareness generated through the ear's perception of sound, influenced by pleasure or displeasure, highlighting its interaction with auditory stimuli, akin to eye-consciousness in significance and categorization.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A type of consciousness that perceives auditory stimuli, similar to eye-consciousness in its categorization.[1] (2) The aspect of consciousness that arises from the functioning of the ear when it perceives sound.[2] (3) Ear-consciousness is characterized by the quality of hearing and involves the interaction between the ear and sounds.[3]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Consciousness that occurs through hearing.[4]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) The awareness associated with perceptions of sound, which should also be contemplated.[5]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The mental state that arises in response to sound, which includes processes of recall and association.[6]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The awareness generated through the ear interacting with sounds.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The consciousness that arises from the interaction of the ear and sound, which is said to have characteristics influenced by the conditions and nature of hearing.[8] (2) The consciousness that arises from the ear organ perceiving sounds, leading to distinctions based on pleasure or displeasure.[9]