Significance of Sentience
Sentience in Tibetan Buddhism encompasses the qualities of consciousness and sensory perception, distinguishing it from Buddhi or intellect. It is viewed as an eternal aspect of the soul, consistent with the Samkhya doctrine, and represents a fundamental characteristic that can remain constant or undergo change. Additionally, sentience plays a crucial role in understanding awareness and consciousness, particularly in the context of causality and the effects derived from conscious awareness.
Synonyms: Awareness, Consciousness, Perception, Sensitivity, Cognizance, Sentiency, Vigilance, Feeling
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sentience'
In Buddhism, Sentience embodies consciousness and sensory perception distinct from intellect, signifies awareness as a fundamental aspect that can evolve, and represents an eternal form of the Soul, integral to understanding causes and effects.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A condition of perceiving or feeling, often in relation to the nature of the soul and its experiences.[1] (2) The quality of being conscious or having sensory perception, which is argued to be different from Buddhi (Intellect).[2] (3) The aspect representing awareness or consciousness in the discussion of causes and effects.[3] (4) The quality of being aware or conscious, treated as a fundamental aspect of the substance that can either remain unchanged or change.[4] (5) Sentience is posited as the Soul's own form and is considered to be eternal and of one form according to the doctrine of the Samkhyas.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The capacity for thought and feeling, distinguishing sentient beings from insentient objects.[6]