The Understanding of the Discriminating Consciousness and the True Consciousness in the Silla Commentaries on the Dasheng qixin lun: The Kisillon so, Taesŭng kisillon naeŭi yakt’amgi, and Shi moheyan lun

Abstract

Abstract:

The Shi moheyan lun—a commentary on the Awakening of Mahāyāna Faith (AMF)—is attributed to Nāgārjuna, but regarded by scholars to be an apocryphal scripture. Based on records in the Shittanzō, it is possible to consider the Silla monk Wŏlch’ung as its author. However, since there is presently insufficient evidence to support this theory, I here examine the texts to show the influence of the Silla writings on the Shi moheyan lun (Shilun). I particularly focus on the AMF commentaries, Kisillon so (So) (by Wŏnhyo) and the Taesŭng kisillon naeŭi yakt’amgi (Yakt’amgi) (by Taehyŏn), along with the Shilun, analyzing the usage of Yogācāra elements throughout. I conclude that the three commentaries understand the “true consciousness” as “original enlightenment” despite their use of different terms, such as “the true mind of original enlightenment” or “intrinsic attribute and non-discriminating consciousness.” Next, I show that the Yakt’amgi and the Shilun use the term “mystical understanding” and account for the nature of wisdom by this term. These observations indicate that Wŏnhyo’s So influenced both the Yakt’amgi and Shilun. Through these influences, I argue that the Shilun and the So share the same views on the Yogācāra mental factors.