Alayavijnana (Arayashiki) - Karmic imprints
In HBS, we believe our deeds and words sow the seeds of karmic destiny. Our positive actions and thoughts lead to good fortune, and likewise, negative actions and grudges sow harmful seeds, which can manifest as suffering or misfortune. Mindfulness and ethical behavior are essential to cultivating a positive destiny.
What is 'Arayashiki'?
This is a Japanese term derived from the original sanskrit Alayavijnana. It means a 'storehouse of consciousness.' In HBS, it is the 8th level of consciousness and is considered the deepest and most complex one.
What are the levels of consciousness?
1. Visual consciousness (gen-shiki)
2. Auditory consciousness (ni-shiki)
3. Olfactory consciousness (bi-shiki)
4. Gustatory consciousness (zetsu-shiki)
5. Tactile consciousness (shin-shiki)
6. Thought consciousness (i-shiki)
7. Ego consciousness (mana-shiki)
8. "Storehouse" consciousness (araya-shiki)
The first five are what we would consider to be 'the 5-senses' - no need for further elaboration. The next three we will look at a little further, as these can be bundled together as our 'sixth sense'.
Thought consciousness: remembering, judging, thinking, issuing commands. These are all associated with the conscious mind in making day-to-day decisions. Then there is the inner mind or the the sub-conscious. Arriving at decisions without conscious thought. The ego consciousness helps inform the sub-conscience
Ego consciousness: Our thinking consciousness ceases when asleep or "unconscious". However, even at rest our mind is still active, the ego consciousness operates without interruption from the other senses. The ego conscience is free to interact with the stored conscience (arayashiki).
Stored consciousness: The arayashiki operates at the deepest level, it is the sum result of all stored karma thoroughout this life and past lives. It has the power to have the most influence over our current lives.
This repository of karmic energy shapes our destiny - good actions accumulating positive karmic energy resulting in happiness, negative karmic energy resulting in suffering. This is the karmic law of cause and effect. Our world is shaped by our karmic storehouse. Samasara - the cycle of rebirth carries our arayashiki onto the next life even after death. Buddhists believe the good deeds we do, may not be realised in this life, but may benefit us in the next life.
How does this relate to Anatta (no self)?
Although we advocate "foregoing the ego", we still have a self identity. We have a life of memories and experiences, day to day responsibilities, thoughts and emotions. The consciousness talked about here goes beyond this superficial level to a much deeper level - a level of existence from the distant past and continues on into the distant future. What we think and feel now is important but fleeting and changing. The last two levels of consciouness are beyond the identity of self, thought, personality.
How does HBS treat Arayashiki?
Some schools of Buddhism view Arayashiki as a philosophical study - due to its complexity. However, HBS, coming from Pureland roots, ritualises this into a daily practice. We chant 'Namu-Myo-Horenge-Kyo acknowledging our arayashiki, attempting to make a connection with it and influence it. This is the very reason why we chant, at its very core chanting is about connecting with our arayashiki. We chant to gain good karmic credit, and break free from the cycle of suffering, on our road to enlightenment.
Much of what has been relayed here comes from the following source:
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