In his introductory teaching the Gyalwang Karmapa stresses the significance of the Mind-Only view for daily practice and support, challenging the Tibetan tradition’s tendency to undervalue it compared to the Middle Way view.
The historical evolution of Buddhist thought witnessed significant shifts, particularly during the transition from the period of the early schools to the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
This transition was marked by a critical reevaluation of Buddhist teachings and practices, particularly regarding their relevance to benefiting sentient beings.
During the period of the early schools, scholars and practitioners delved deeply into scriptural interpretations and philosophical debates.
However, their intense focus on doctrinal analysis led to a neglect of the fundamental purpose of Buddhism: to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.
This emphasis on scholarly pursuits and personal liberation at the expense of compassionate action sparked a movement against the prevailing philosophical trends.
The Mahayana period saw a resurgence of the core ethos of Buddhism, emphasizing altruism and the aspiration to lead all beings to liberation.
This period witnessed the emergence of two main philosophical schools within Mahayana: the Middle Way (Madhyamika) and the Mind-Only (Yogacara).
These schools offered distinct perspectives on the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment, reflecting the diversity of Mahayana thought.
The term “Mind-Only” refers to the philosophical view that all phenomena are ultimately manifestations of mind, while “Yogacara” denotes the proponents of this viewpoint. In contrast, the Middle Way school, rooted in the teachings of Nagarjuna, emphasizes the emptiness of inherent existence.
While these philosophical distinctions may seem abstract, they reflect profound debates within Buddhist thought regarding the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.
Despite these differences, both Middle Way and Mind-Only proponents share a common goal: the alleviation of suffering and the attainment of liberation for all sentient beings.
