Understanding the Mind: An Explanation of the Nature and Functions of the Mind

322 Pages·1992·15.35 MB·English

by  Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

UNDERSTANDING
THE MIND
Also by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Meaningful to Behold
Clear Light of Bliss
Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition
Heart of Wisdom
Universal Compassion
A Meditation Handbook
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Guide to Dakini Land
The Bodhisattva Vow
Heart Jewel
Great Treasury of Merit
Introduction to Buddhism
UNDERSTANDING
1
THE MIND
LORIG
AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE AND
FUNCTIONS OF THE MIND
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Tharpa Publications
London
First published in 1993
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced
in any form or by any means except for the quotation
of brief passages for the purpose of private
study, research, criticism, or review.
Tharpa Publications
15 Bendemeer Road
London SW15 1JX
© Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and Manjushri Centre 1993
Cover painting of Manjushri
by the Tibetan artist Chating Jamyang Lama
Cover photo of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso by Gerry Hale
Line illustrations by Andy Weber
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is
available from the British Library
ISBN 0 948006 17 X- papercase
ISBN 0 948006 25 0 -paperback
Set in Palatino by Tharpa Publications
Printed on acid-free 250-year longlife paper
and bound in Great Britain by Biddies Ltd., Guildford
Contents
Illustrations vii
Acknowledgements vm
Introduction 1
PART ONE: Types of Mind
Object-possessors 9
Conceptual and Non-conceptual Minds 23
Sense and Mental A warenesses 33
Direct Perceivers 42
Inferential Cognizers 53
Re-cognizers 61
Correct Beliefs 66
Non-ascertaining Perceivers 69
Doubts 75
Wrong Awarenesses 81
Valid and Non-valid Cognizers 94
PART TWO: Primary Minds and Mental Factors
Primary Minds and Mental Factors 107
The Five All-accompanying Mental Factors 111
The Five Object-ascertaining Mental Factors 126
The Eleven Virtuous Mental Factors 141
Virtue, Non-virtue, and Delusion 179
The Six Root Delusions 195
The Twenty Secondary Delusions 229
The Four Changeable Mental Factors 242
Conclusion 247
Dedication 248
v
Appendix I- The Condensed Meaning of the Text 249
Appendix II - Essence of Good Fortune 279
Glossary 289
Bibliography 298
Study Programmes 301
Index 302
vi
Illustrations
Buddha Shakyamuni 2
Nagarjuna 8
Aryadeva 32
Asanga 62
Vasubandhu 82
Dignaga 106
Dharmakirti 142
Gunaprabha 178
Shakyaprabha 212
vii
Acknowledgements
This book, Understanding the Mind, is a comprehensive
explanation of the mind based on the experiences of accom
plished meditators. Traditionally, Buddhist books on the
mind are written from the point of view of the Sautrantika
Buddhist School - an intermediate view taught by Buddha
for the sake of disciples who could not immediately grasp
his final view - and therefore such books are difficult to
relate to meditative experiences. This book, however, is
written from the point of view of the Prasangika Buddhist
Schoot which expresses Buddha's final intention. As such
it is a unique and practical guide for those who seek to
develop their minds through sincere study and meditation.
From the depths of our hearts we thank the author,
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, for his inconceivable
kindness in composing this book, which provides for medi
tators in the West a definitive exposition of the nature,
types, and functions of the mind.
The author was assisted in the initial stages of editing by
Michael Garside. The draft was then passed to Gen Thubten
Gyatso for final editing, and checked closely by the author.
It was then prepared for publication by Lucy James, Sherab
Gyatso, and others in the Tharpa Editorial Office. Our
thanks go to all of these dedicated students of the author
for their excellent work.
Roy Tyson,
Administrative Director,
Manjushri Mahayana
Buddhist Centre,
November 1992
viii