Significance of Twelve entrances
The Twelve entrances in Mahayana Buddhism represent a conceptual framework involving six sense organs and their corresponding sense data, which facilitate perception and understanding. These entrances serve as gateways for sensory experiences, highlighting the interconnectedness of the organs and the objects they perceive. Additionally, the term is used interchangeably with the twelve places, further emphasizing the importance of these sensory gateways in the process of discrimination and comprehension within the Mahayana perspective.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Twelve entrances'
The Twelve entrances in Buddhism represent sensory gateways where perception occurs, involving six sense organs and corresponding objects. This conceptual framework fosters discrimination and understanding through the interaction of senses and their data.
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The gateways through which perception occurs, consisting of the six organs and their corresponding objects.[1] (2) A conceptual framework involving six sense organs and six sense data that lead to discrimination and understanding.[2]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) The twelve entrances is another term used interchangeably with the twelve places, emphasizing the sensory gateways.[3]