A comparative Study on 5 Stages of Consciousness-only Jayangwi((資糧位)) in Mindful Self-Compassion Meditation Program

A comparison of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) meditation program with the first stage (Jaryangwi) of the Consciousness-Only Buddhist practice reveals similarities and differences. Both help individuals accept and endure pain and grow from it, fostering peace of mind through loving-kindness, compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. Jaryangwi builds blessings and wisdom, while MSC develops mindfulness, self-compassion, and wisdom. MSC focuses on improving capacities for wisdom and mercy during painful moments, whereas Jaryangwi guides igodeuknak and Yoik Jundsaeng. The study is limited by not examining other stages or meditation programs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In modern society, Buddhist doctrines and Western psychological counselling are applied in numerous ways for psychological healing. As western psychological counselling programs are developed based on Buddhist doctrine, this study aims to compare and examine the Mindful Self Compassion(MSC) meditation program designed by Dr Christopher K. Germer and Dr Kristin Neff with the practice of 5 stages of Consciousness-Only Jaryangwi( ). Jaryangwi is the first stage of accumulating wisdom and good fortune in the practice of the Thirty Verses of the Consciousness-Only and MSC is an 8-session meditation program that comforts individuals based on the concept of mindfulness This study compared the 5 stages of Consciousness-Only with the main practice of MSC based on three aspects. The first is the Four Means of Salvation and Mindfulness practice in MSC, the second is the Four Immeasurable Mind and self-benevolence and compassion in MSC, and the third is the Six Perfection and the gratitude practice in MSC. Jaryangwi and MSC are similar in the way they help one to accept and endure pain and in doing so grow from it. They are similar in that they both help one to live a life of their own by gaining peace of mind through loving-kindness and compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness as well as increasing one’s capabilities by increasing one’s strengths. However, there are differences in the core principles and specific methods of practice. While Jaryangwi is a practice that builds up blessings and wisdom, MSC is a process of developing mindfulness, self-compassion and wisdom. If Jaryangwi helps to guide igodeuknak( ) and Yoik Jundsaeng( ), MSC focuses on improving the capacity to use the capacities of wisdom and mercy during painful moments. The comparison between Jaryangwi, the first step to the 5 stages of Consciousness-Only, and the modern MSC meditation program is significant as it examined the Buddhist doctrines together with Western meditation. However, the study is limited as it did not examine the different stages of mediation and various different meditation programs of 5 stages of Consciousness-Only. It is hoped that future studies will follow-up based on this study.