Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 6

Author(s): L C Jain
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 279

THE PHILOSOPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE IDEA OF TATHÄGATĀ IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ABSOLUTISM OF THE YOGĀCĀRA
Dr. PRABHAKAR MISHRA*
The philosophical significance of the idea of Tathāgatā in the context of Yogācāra has been demonstrated by some ancient scholars like Asanga and Vasubandhu etc. and also by some contemporary Indian scholars like Dr. T. R. V. Murti, Dr. A. K. Chatterjee and Dr. Datta etc. In this process the scholars, ancient and contemporary, have classified the subject by taking Tathāgata in relation 10 Absolute. This relation between the Tathāgata and the Absolute has been established by considering both the metaphysical and epistemological contexts of the subject
Now an attempt has been made to compare the iśvara of Vedānta and the Tathāgata of Buddhism because both are the object of worship and veneration and as such conjoined with boundless compassion, i.e., Karuņā for the suffering humanity. Again both Tathāgata and lśvara are distinct from the Absolute. But they have limitless good qualities, some supernatural powers and help the phenomenal being in removing avidya (ignorance) for making communion with the Absolute, hence they are closely connected with the Absolute.
Again, philosophical significance becomes obvious when we establish the existence of Tathāgata by showing its metaphysical and epistemological necessities in the Philosophy of Yogācāra. Dr. T. R. V. Murti in his work, “The Central Philosophy of Buddhism” clearly states that a phenomenal being is capable to be aware of the existence of the unconditioned or the Absolute because his tool of awarenes is reason which gives illusory knowledge of the object. Therefore, it gives rise to the existence of Tathāgata, who through is compassion or Karuņā reveal the knowledge of the unconditioned cr the Absolute. In this way, he is also regarded as transcendetal because he transcends reason for the true knowledge of the Absolute.
Again, the existence of Tathāgata is proved by the help of consciousness which is purely creative in character. Consciousness possesses two
* Lecturer in Philosophy, Nav Nalanda Mahavihar, Nalanda,