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The word ālaya means abode, dwelling, or storehouse.

In Yogācāra, ālaya-vijñāna is described as the deepest layer of consciousness that contains the “seeds” (bīja) of all past actions, experiences, and tendencies (karma).

It serves as the foundation of individual existence, holding the potential for both enlightenment and suffering.

Storehouse of Karma

All of our past actions, thoughts, and emotions plant “seeds” in the ālaya.

These seeds ripen when conditions are right, leading to future experiences.

This explains continuity of consciousness across lifetimes without a permanent self (anātman).

Unconscious Layer of Mind

It is like the subconscious, deeper than ordinary thought.

Though we aren’t aware of it, it influences our perceptions and behaviors.

Neither Good nor Bad by Itself

Ālaya is morally neutral. It simply stores potential.

Whether liberation or suffering arises depends on the kinds of “seeds” we plant through our actions and intentions.

Transformable Through Practice

In Yogācāra, enlightenment is described as the transformation of consciousness, where ālaya is purified and becomes wisdom (jñāna).

This purified form is called “great mirror-like wisdom,” reflecting reality as it is without distortion.

Like a field – seeds of karma are planted and grow when conditions ripen.

Like an ocean – surface waves (thoughts and emotions) arise from the deep, quiet depths (ālaya).

Like a storehouse – it contains all impressions of past experiences.

Recognizing ālaya helps explain why mindfulness and ethical actions are important. Every thought, word, and deed plants seeds in this storehouse, shaping future experiences.

Meditation, compassion, and wisdom help purify ālaya, transforming karmic seeds and leading toward awakening.

#PemaChodron

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