THE BUDDHIST PERCEPTIONS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

This paper offers a general but wide ranging survey of the Buddhist analysis and interpretation of consciousness. The paper does not aim to formulate any particular theory, but limits itself to ascertaining the ways in which Buddhist masters of all periods attempted to explain the nature and function of consciousness. After establishing the basic terminology, the paper proceeds to ascertain the Abhidharma treatment of consciousness. The Abhidharma masters mainly focus on consciousness in its cognitive and karmic conditions. Their ultimate aim is to demonstrate how to disentangle consciousness from the bondage of phenomenal existence. By contrast the Mahayana and Vajrayana masters concentrate on the pure or luminous nature of consciousness. Although they recognise the necessity of purifying consciousness, their primary goal is to demonstrate how consciousness can achieve its full potentiality, in the sense of attaining the state and qualities of buddhahood. Viewed as a whole, the Buddhist interpretations of consciousness offer a formidable range of insights into its nature and functions. However, there is no agreed interpretation on some crucial issues, such as the continuity or latent functions of consciousness.