Asanga's commentary elaborates on this verse: The [ground…
![“Asanga's commentary elaborates on this verse: The [ground consciousness] is difficult to understand, since it is not [taught] on the lower levels of the teachings, since it abides as bearing the characteristics of the seeds of the [six] operative consciousnesses, and since it does not abide…” quote by Karl Brunnholzl](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c40/karl-brunnholzl-4600_poetry_asanga-s-commentary-elaborates-on-this-v_616422.jpg)
““Asanga's commentary elaborates on this verse: The [ground consciousness] is difficult to understand, since it is not [taught] on the lower levels of the teachings, since it abides as bearing the characteristics of the seeds of the [six] operative consciousnesses, and since it does not abide through having any characteristics of its own."''' This means that the ground consciousness is nothing but the sum of its seeds-0 and that there is no other underlying, permanent substratum or entity of a ground consciousness apart from the seeds that constitute it. Since the seeming continua of these seeds are impermanent, the ground consciousness is merely a seeming, impermanent continuum too. It also does not actively create anything. Thus, it is not at all like the Hindu atman or a creator.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The ground consciousness is merely the aggregate of its six seed consciousnesses, lacking an independent, permanent essence, and is impermanent like the seeds themselves.
In simple terms: Ground consciousness equals its seeds, no permanent self.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the non‑self nature of mental foundations.
Themes
Buddhism
philosophy
mind
impermanence
Mood
contemplative
neutral
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Meditation
- psychotherapy
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
Yogacara
seed consciousness
non‑self
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing mind as non‑self affect your daily reactions?
- What practices help you observe the impermanent nature of thoughts?
A Different Perspective
It may be challenging to grasp without extensive study of Buddhist psychology.