A Treatise on Mind: Volume 2

A Treatise on Mind: Volume 2

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Considerations of Mind – A Buddhist Enquiry

This volume primarily focuses upon the Yogācāra-Vijñānavādin concepts of mind and its means of expression such as the various consciousnesses, the nature of the bījas, and the ālayavijñāna. From this basis, related topics such as the nature of light, the simile of a river with respect to the flow of a consciousness-stream, and the nāḍīs that convey prāṇas, are explored. This allows consideration of the attributes of time and certain chakras that exist below the diaphragm. The ‘soul’ concept then comes into view and its relation to śūnyatā is revealed.

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422 pages, softcover  ©2016

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Description

Considerations of Mind – a Buddhist Enquiry is volume two from a seven volume treatise on Mind.

Whilst the numbers of Buddhists are growing in the world, the techniques and discourses of Buddhism have not changed to meet the radically different conditions of the contemporary world. Thus Buddhism needs a true restorative flowering to rival that of the renaissance of debate and innovative thinking of the early post-Nāgārjunian era. In order to achieve this it must synthesise the present wealth of scientific knowledge, alongside the best of the Western world’s philosophical output – this is the primary task of this seven volume treatise. It is principally a study of the complex interrelationship between mind and phenomena, from the gross to the subtle—the physical, psychic, supersensory and supernal. This entails an explanation of how mind incorporates all phenomena in its modus operandi, and how eventually that mind is liberated from it, thereby becoming awakened.

A Treatise on Mind Outline

  • Volume 1  The “Self” or  “Non-self” in Buddhism
  • Volume 2  Considerations of Mind—A Buddhist Enquiry
  • Volume 3  The Buddha-Womb and the Way to Liberation
  • Volume 4  Maṇḍalas: Their Nature and Development
  • Volume 5  An Esoteric Exposition of the Bardo Thödol (Part A and B)
  • Volume 6  Meditation and the Initiation Process
  • Volume 7  The Constitution of Shambhala (Part A and B)

Additional information

Weight 0.51 kg
Dimensions 21.5 × 13.5 × 2.4 cm

1 review for A Treatise on Mind: Volume 2

  1. DG

    Quoted from the book:

    ‘the basic eclectic framework that can be used for this understanding is accomplished by utilising the mind freed from emotions, gross and subtle.’

    Reading this book makes one think and hold complex concepts in one’s mind, which cultivates clear reasoning, much can be revealed if the reader follows a meditative lifestyle and the appropriate service work, e.g. compassionate group-purpose.
    The seven Ray aspects that are a part of esoteric psychology will be introduced. When these are wedded to kleśas, then the mind/intellect can be divided into sub-aspects and become the seven distortions of the Rays of mind. This teaching complements the Yogācāra-Vijñānavādin philosophy and is supplemented by Mādhyamika revelations. These are a treasure for further enquiry and comprehending the nature of the emotions. That is partly the path of a Yogi, and instead of, e.g., only stopping thinking by following breathing practices, the mind is mentally controlled. These attributes are elaborated and illustrated in a well-structured system and complemented poetically. This part is valuable for every meditator.
    In Plum Village we introduce some of western psychology and neuroscience, which can be useful but in my opinion, without including the subtle body, an essential part that is missing.
    The book goes more in-depth into esoteric teachings and symbology to build a basic understanding of the constitution of the formless realms. The chakras (flowers), nāḍīs, prāṇas, light and the nature of the eye will be discussed and the significance of the dharmakāya and the Sambhogakāya Flower are elaborated more deeply.

    Quoted from the book:

    ‘as the question of ‘self’ is intricately interwoven with the characteristics of mind, so it is important to obtain as complete an understanding as possible of the qualities of mind from a Buddhist perspective.’

    This study refers to the Vijñānavāda Yogācāra school which is linked to the chakras, and good examples in ‘similies’ are presented.
    Karma is further explained, as well as ‘Dependent Origination’. The Dhyāni Buddhas and the five prāṇas are introduced, and more esoteric information will be revealed.
    The author again delves more deeply in delicate topics with precise, logical reasoning, like the śūnyatā-saṃsāra nexus and nirvāṇa. The subtle layers of saṃsāra (glamour and illusion/māyā) will be explained, and he presents a part of the doctrine of the tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-germ), and how a Buddha or Bodhisattva evolves.
    I met a few western Buddhist practitioners in my tradition that want to understand and compare eastern and western doctrines, e.g., why Buddhism denies the existence of a god compared to a Christian belief in a God. This book offers a way to see the truth that can be found in a subtle fusion of these two opposing views. The esotericism veiled in Buddhism (or Christianity) can then help to eliminate the dogmatic claims of both.
    Various Mahāyāna schools hold different views on the subject, related to the Yogācāra-Vijjñānavādin School, which provides a detailed, generally accepted explanation of the Buddhist concept of the causes of things, from the perspective of mind, which leads one to the question of an evolutionary purpose.
    In the chapter ‘Ālayavijñāna as Seed’ the abstract Mind will be looked into, and in ‘The Examination of Time in the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā of Nāgārjuna’, the verses are linked to the seven Ray qualities, followed by an inquiry how Bodhicitta arises, and the important role karma is playing. The book ends with a valuable commentary and the disclosure of the esoteric content of the “Cūḷa-suññatā-suttam”.

    About Plum Village

    Almost forty years ago Thich Nhat Hanh established a monastery in the south of France. Many know him as a peace activist, zen master and poet and through his accessible writings, but I want to highlight his ability to do the art of sangha building. Our linage comes from the zen school of Master Linji. We term our tradition as Applied Buddhism, and we follow a modernised, monastic lifestyle (pratimokṣa). When I ordained, I was fortunate to have met him in person and received his teachings on mindfulness, concentration, insight, and walking meditation.

    ‘My life is my message’ by TNH

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