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The Early Yogācāra Theory of No-Self
Asian Philosophy
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: Nov 01, 2018
Pages: 316 - 331
Sources ID: 36771
Notes: DOI 10.1080/09552367.2018.1543055; ISSN 0955-2367
Collection: Yogācāra Buddhism
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
I reconstruct early Yogacara theory of no-self based on works by Asanga and Vasubandhu. I introduce the idea of the cognitive schema (CS) of the self, a conception borrowed from the developmental psychologist, Jean Piaget. A fundamental CS is a psychological function that guides the formation of perceptions. I propose that Manas can be understood in terms of being the CS of the self, a psychological mechanism from which perceptions of external objects are formed. In addition, I argue that non-imaginative wisdom can be regarded as an experience during which the CS of the self does not function, such that one only possesses pure sensations without perceptions of external objects. After the repeated experience of non-imaginative wisdom, the CS of the self is changed to the purified CS of no-self. It still supports interactions with the external world, but in a way that does not allow the four afflictions (self-delusion, self-belief, self-conceit, and self-love) to arise. Abbreviations: MS: Mahayanasamgraha; TS: Trimsika-karika; TSN: Trisvabhavanirdesa; VVS: Vimsatika Vijnaptimatratasiddhi [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Asian Philosophy is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)