Buddhist philosophy of consciousness in the context of modern comparative studies

Buddhist philosophy of consciousness, particularly the Yogacara school's concepts of stream of consciousness, anatman (no permanent self), and intentionality, anticipates modern Western debates about qualia. Through comparative analysis with Husserl's phenomenology, analytical philosophy, and cognitive neuroscience, the author argues that Buddhist thought is not an archaic relic but a living system capable of equal dialogue with Western science and philosophy. Integrating Buddhist tradition into contemporary discourse may help develop new methodological tools to overcome subject-object dualism in Western thought while preserving Buddhism's ontological, epistemological, and soteriological depth.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The article examines the Buddhist philosophy of consciousness through a comparative analysis with key trends in Western thought: Husserl’s phenomenology, analytical philosophy, and modern cognitive neuroscience. The work focuses on a comprehensive comparative analysis of the reception, transformation, and structural similarities between Buddhist philosophy and the Western intellectual tradition. The article primarily explores the concepts of “stream of consciousness, “the absence of a permanent self (anatman), and intentionality in the Buddhist school of Yogacara. The author demonstrates how the Buddhist epistemological approach anticipates modern discussions about the nature of qualia. It is shown that Buddhist philosophy of consciousness is not an archaic historical artifact, but a living system of thought that can engage in a fruitful and equal dialogue with Western science and philosophy. The study shows that the integration of the Buddhist tradition into modern philosophical discourse can contribute to the development of new methodological tools for overcoming subject-object dualism in the Western tradition while preserving the ontological, epistemological, and soteriological depth of the Buddhist teachings. The article is intended for researchers in the history of philosophy, religious studies, and intercultural dialogue.