Buddyjska koncepcja świetlistego umysłu i jej rola w tradycji tathagatagarbhy
Jagiellonian University Repository May 12, 2015 DOI: 10.4467/20844077sr.15.009.3555 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe article outlines the Buddhist concept of a pure, luminous mind (pabhassara citta) as presented in the Pāḷi Nikāyas, examining two functions: its soteriological role as a factor enabling enlightenment and its role as a link between consecutive existences in saṃsāra. It then examines the Theravāda idea of bhavaṅga as related to the pure mind's diachronic function. The main part combines this notion with Mahāyāna Buddhism by showing the role of the innate mind (cittaprakṛti) in the tathāgatagarbha tradition.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Enlightenment Theology Epistemology |
| Key finding | Argues that the Buddhist idea of a pure, luminous mind serves both a soteriological function and a linking function across existences, and that this concept is developed in Theravāda as bhavaṅga and in Mahāyāna as the innate mind (cittaprakṛti) in tathāgatagarbha tradition. |
Abstract
The primary aim of this article is to outline the Buddhist idea of a pure, luminous mind. First, the conception of a “luminous mind” (pabhassara citta) from the Pāḷi Nikāyas is considered. Two functions ascribed to this idea are examined: its soteriological role, i.e. pure mind as a enlightenment-enabling factor, and its role as a “link” between consecutive saṃsāric existences. Next comes the examination of the Theravāda idea of bhavaṅga, which is seen as being related to the pure mind in its diachronic function. Main part of the article deals with combining the notion of a pure mind with mahāyāna Buddhism by showing the role of the “innate mind” (cittaprakṛti) in tathāgatagarbha tradition.