Vijnaptimatratasiddhi (Vimsatika): With Introduction, Translation and Commentary

The Vijnaptimatratasiddhi (Vimsatika) of Varubandhu is a basic treatise dealing with the Yogacara/Vijannavaja. The author, Vasubandhur has himself written a commentary on it. The Vimsatika in the twenty karikas tries to establish that consciousness (Vijnapti) is the only reality. The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the introduction to Vijnnavada. The introduction gives a detailed background of the Yogacara, its development and literature. The introduction makers a comparative study of the approach towards an object (artha) of the different philosophical schools of Buddhism. In the introduction is also discussed why Vijnanavada is called Yogacara. An attempt has been made to show how the perceptual and the conceptual images are necessary for a proper understanding of consciousness (Vijnapti). The two concepts of early Buddhism, viz., pudga-Ianiariratmya and dharmanaira-tmya have been explained. Vasu-bandhu’s refutation of atomism has been discussed, in greater details with the help of diagram, Sankara’s refutation of atomism has also been given, which is followed by a detailed analysis of Vimsatika, the meaning of Vijnaptimatra and the significance of the suffix ta. (jacket)