Buddyjska koncepcja świetlistego umysłu i jej rola w tradycji tathagatagarbhy

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to outline the Buddhist idea of a pure, luminous mind. First, the conception of a “luminous mind” (pabhassara citta) from the Pāḷi Nikāyas is considered. Two functions ascribed to this idea are examined, i.e. first its soteriological role (pure mind as a enlightenment-enabling factor), and then its role as a “link” between consecutive saṃsāric existences. Next comes the Theravāda idea of bhavaṅga, which is seen as being related to the pure mind in its diachronic function. The article concludes by combining the notion of a pure mind with Mahāyāna Buddhism by showing the role of the “innate mind” (cittaprakṛti) in the tathāgatagarbha tradition.