Transformation of Consciousness and Cognition-Only: Vasubandhu’s Perspective (A Study in Vasubandhu’s Viṃśatikā- Kārikā-[Vṛtti])

Abstract

In Viṃśatikā-Kārikā-[Vṛtti], we see Vasubandhu arguing that all worlds are actually nothing but mind only. Vasubandhu demonstrates that objects cannot really be regarded as existing. He proves this by showing logical impossibility of regarding object as either a composite whole, or several things, or even as aggregation of atoms. Vasubandhu illustrates that there are in fact no issues in regarding that objects external to mind do not exist. He also formulates his argument that the so-called objects of cognition are transformation of consciousness. According to Vasubandhu, as a matter of fact, it is through understanding of objects and senses being nothing but mere changes in consciousness that one comes upon cognition-only which leads to knowing of its own selflessness and finally to selflessness of events. Vasubandhu finally addresses the question of kind of knowledge in the light of everything being cognition-only. In cognition-only where there is no division of the apprehendor and the apprehended, knowledge stays alone which may be compared to the knowledge of the Buddha.