Introduction
瑜伽行唯識学派 (Yugagyō Yui-shiki Gakuha)—within the intricate panorama of philosophical inquiry, emerges as an intellectual Tradition imbued with profound contemplative Exploration, wherein the Nature of Consciousness is assiduously examined through a lens of experiential Realism. This doctrinal school posits a framework wherein Perception and reality coalesce through a dynamic interplay of consciousness, eschewing a dualistic Dichotomy in favour of an integrative Understanding that redefines objective Existence as reliant upon cognitive processes. The practitioners are enjoined to a path of meditative Introspection, wherein the phenomenological experiences are meticulously scrutinized, culminating in an erudite Comprehension of the Mind's inherent formations, as they transcend illusory constructs to apprehend a realm of pure awareness.
Language
The nominal "瑜伽行唯識学派" (Yugagyō Yui-shiki Gakuha), when parsed, reveals a complex Structure derived from Chinese characters and Japanese readings, signifying a school of Thought within Buddhism. Each component character contributes to the term's meaning: "瑜伽" (yoga), "行" (Practice or action), "唯" (only), "識" (consciousness), "学" (study or Learning), and "派" (school or Faction). The Phrase collectively refers to a philosophical school centered around the practice and study of consciousness. Etymologically, these characters have origins in ancient Chinese, but their application in this Context reflects the transmission and Adaptation of Buddhist concepts from India to East Asia. The character "瑜伽" itself is a transliteration of the Sanskrit "yoga," demonstrating the cross-cultural Exchange and lexical borrowing inherent in the transmission of spiritual ideas. Meanwhile, "唯" and "識" together approximate the Sanskrit "vijñapti-mātra," a term central to this philosophical tradition, highlighting the focus on consciousness as the fundamental reality. The assembly of these elements within the phrase captures a synthesis of indigenous linguistic resources and imported philosophical concepts, contributing to an enduring legacy of intercultural philosophical . The etymological roots Trace a journey through linguistic adaptation, evolving from Sanskrit into a Form that resonates across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean intellectual traditions, thus forming a vital link in the chain of philosophical Development within the region.
Genealogy
瑜伽行唯識学派 (Yugagyō Yui-shiki Gakuha), a pivotal school within Buddhist Philosophy, has traversed a complex trajectory in its conceptual Evolution, reflecting its rich intellectual origins and transformations. Initially emerging from the teachings attributed to Maitreya and systematically expounded by Asanga and Vasubandhu in the 4th to 5th centuries CE, the term encapsulates the intricate "mind-only" (cittamatra) doctrine that posits consciousness as the fundamental reality. Primary texts like the "Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra" and "Vijñaptimātratā-siddhi" serve as critical sources, outlining its philosophical framework and affirming its metaphysical assertions. Historically, the Indian region of Nalanda emerges as a significant locus for its development, where the Yogachara school profoundly influenced monastic and intellectual discourse. The school's tenets found further explication in the works of Dignāga and Dharmakīrti, whose efforts in Epistemology and Logic cemented its foundational status within Buddhist thought. Over centuries, Yogachara's ideas underwent considerable adaptations as they migrated to China, forming the backdrop for the Faxiang school, and later to Japan, influencing the Hossō sect. This geographical and cultural transmission underscored a nuanced reinterpretation of its doctrines, reflecting the complex interplay between local traditions and philosophical ideals. Historically, Yogachara has often been misconstrued or simplified as solipsistic or nihilistic, a misuse arising from misinterpretations of its "mind-only" Perspective. Its entwinement with Mahayana Buddhism further situates it within broader debates about Ontology and Phenomenology, intersecting with Madhyamaka dialectics. The term "瑜伽行唯識学派" operates at the intersection of these discourses, revealing a narrative of intellectual exchange and transformation. It underscores the school’s enduring relevance in engaging with questions of reality, perception, and cognition, manifesting a dynamic philosophical legacy that continues to influence Contemporary Buddhist scholarship and practice.
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