The Basic Assertion of All Buddhist Schools, March, 12, 2008

[Dharma Wheel]

The basic assertion of all Buddhist schools

Objects of knowledge or Knowable objects. (Synonymous with existents)

The ways to dividing phenomena into two
· Impermanent and permanent
· Functional and non-functional
· Conditional and non-conditional

Three categories of functional phenomena (five types of functional
phenomena)
1. Form
2. Consciousness
3. Non-associated compositional factor (Impermanent phenomena being
neither form nor consciousness)

Form divided by five categories (Five types of form)

1. The source of perception of form (direct objects of sight)
2. The source of perception of sound
3. The source of perception of odors or smell
4. The source of perception of tastes
5. The source of perception of object of touch

Consciousness divided by two categories (Two type of consciousness)

1. Sensory consciousness
2. Mental consciousness

Five type of sensory consciousness
Eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body senses consciousness

Seven awareness or seven ways of knowing
1. Direct perception
2. Inferential perception
3. Subsequent cognition
4. Presumption
5. Inattentive perception
6. Indecisive mind/ doubt
7. Distorted awareness

The ways of dividing mind into two

1. Conceptual and non-conceptual minds
2. Valid and invalid cognitions
3. Mistaken and unmistaken minds
4. Realized and unrealized minds