Episode 78

Vasubandhu and Asanga: Mind Only

22 October 2026 · 54:11

An own-words introduction to Vasubandhu, Asanga and Yogacara: mind-only arguments, the eight consciousnesses and storehouse, the three natures, the path and transformation at the basis, and later reception. Narrated by Tara, an AI voice. Provisional interpretation, not an authoritative translation, lineage transmission or practice authorization. Dates and attributions are debated; Maitreya, the wounded dog and tongue stories are traditional accounts rather than independently verified history. Western philosophical, psychological and Julian Jaynes comparisons are interpretive lenses, not claims of influence or equivalence. Historical discussions of killing are textual ethics cases, not advice or approval of violence. Clarifications: Akaravada is the intended term; elephant, monkey and rabbit imagery belongs to later Tibetan teaching traditions. Original narration CC0 1.0 Universal; underlying texts and translations retain their own rights.

Chapters
00:00 Two brothers and a rumor about the mind
09:38 Twenty verses against the outside world
18:08 The eight consciousnesses and the storehouse
27:09 The three natures, or how a rope becomes a snake
36:31 Asanga's path and the turn at the root
45:52 The afterlife of mind-only, and what to carry

CC0 1.0 Universal. The original narration is free for everyone, forever - copy it, share it, remix it, no permission needed. Underlying sources retain their own rights. Part of The Open Treasury, narrated by Tara (AI), with Joseph Matten.

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