Consciousness in Buddhism (Buddhism)

Buddhism denies reality to a supreme, conscious self in the universe; but it does not deny the apparently real necessity of attaining truth through use of the mind.

Consciousness is defined as apprehension of an object. In particular, mental phenomena apprehend special states of consciousness. In all cases consciousness is self-conscious - clearly, what is experienced is present to the mind. All mental phenomena must be conscious of their own existence. This feeling of own existence is referred to as direct or immediate cognition. When something external is perceived there is an internal emotion responding to it which is not the same as the object perceived. The internal emotion is a property of the self, not of the perceived object. This experience is knowledge; and it shows that we do experience our own knowledge. Self-consciousness is direct knowledge which makes our own self present to us.

Transcendental reality can be elicited. Contemplating this reality forces it into consciousness until the mind, which contains the image of the object contemplated, commences to achieve a condition of clarity. This is the first condition, when contemplation is in progress. The direct perception of the saint is the second condition when clarity is nearly complete, when progress towards it is still being made and when reality is veiled by the thinnest of clouds. Finally, there is direct knowledge of reality when it is perceived totally clearly.

There are distinctive features to the Buddhist path according to where it is practiced. In some countries the greater vehicle is taught, in others the lesser vehicle. There are the abrupt paths, the Tantra, Zen, Yogacara, and the esoteric sects. All teach complex yogas and seek a nirvana which surmounts a number of states of consciousness.