The Yogācāra Philosophy of Vasubandhu: Featuring the Twenty Verses, Thirty Verses, and Paramārtha's Mahāyāna Treatise on Consciousness-Only Paperback – May 24, 2025

This volume presents five seminal texts, offering a profound journey into Vijnanavada (Consciousness-Only) philosophy, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism. Flourishing in India centuries CE, Vijnanavada was systematically developed by Asanga and Vasubandhu, inspired by Maitreya Bodhisattva. They articulated the principle of Vijnaptimatrata ("consciousness-only"), asserting that our experienced world is a manifestation of mind, not objectively existent. They established key doctrines like the eight consciousnesses (including alaya-vijnana or storehouse consciousness, and manas-vijnana or afflicted mind) and the Three Natures (trisvabhava). This philosophy tackles fundamental questions about self and reality, offering a path to liberation from suffering.The treatises compiled here are vital guides to this intricate system.First, Vasubandhu's Vijnaptimatratasastra (translated by Gautama Prajnaruci, 6th c. China) uses a dialectical format to present Vijnanavada's core logic and critique of external reality, serving as an excellent introduction.Second, Vasubandhu's Vimsatika-karika/sastra (Twenty Verses on Consciousness-Only) demonstrates that the external world doesn't exist and all is a transformation of consciousness. Xuanzang's 7th-century Chinese translation significantly influenced East Asian Buddhism.Third, the Trimsika-karika (Thirty Verses on Consciousness-Only), one of Vasubandhu's late masterpieces, encapsulates Vijnanavada's entire doctrinal system in thirty concise verses, a foundational text for its study.Fourth, the Chengweishilun (Treatise on the Establishment of Consciousness-Only), compiled and translated by Xuanzang, synthesizes commentaries (notably Dharmapala's) on Vasubandhu's Trimsika-karika. Considered Vijnanavada's scholastic culmination, it provides a detailed exposition of the eight consciousnesses, "seeds" (bija), the Three Natures, and practice stages.Finally, Mahayana Vijnaptimatratasastra signifies the broad scope of Mahayana Vijnanavada. It acts as a bridge, encouraging readers to explore related treatises, such as Asanga's Mahayanasamgraha.The Chinese translation of these treatises was pivotal for Buddhism's transmission from India to East Asia. Xuanzang's precise and systematic translations, in particular, were groundbreaking for future Buddhist scholarship.We sincerely hope this volume serves as a compass for readers navigating Vijnanavada's wisdom, enabling new perspectives on self and world, and contributing to their journey towards inner peace and liberation. Read more