Yogacara does not acknowledge the inherent existence of matter. For example, when we see things, materialism asserts that they must be composed of some fundamental substance, be it molecules, quantum particles, or energy. Energy is also considered a form of matter. Regardless of what this fundamental substance is, materialism insists that it inherently exists. In contrast, Yogacara denies this and views matter as mere manifestations of the mind (consciousness). This seems to be in conflict with our common sense, as we are accustomed to feeling that there is something there. This misunderstanding arises because, without thorough analysis, we mistakenly treat the manifestation as the essence.
The piece of the wooden block in my hand is just a function of consciousness. But We have gone ahead and treated this function like it has gotten its own essence. What is it? Matter! We tend to jump to this conclusion without thinking it through logically. We just feel like there is something there, and this thing has innate qualities such as being good or bad, useful or useless. Is that the way it is?
We have a common sky. Really? We have a body, a home, and all sorts of things, and if they are not mind, then they are matter. We will definitely habitually think of them as matter. Even though we have studied Yogacara, and we conceptually do not see them as matter, when we deal with them in reality, we still treat them as matter. Why? Because we will act based on our practical needs. For instance, if you had to choose between a piece of gold and a lump of dung, what would you choose? Undoubtedly the gold. But what would a farmer who does not know the value of gold choose? He might go for the dung, because he could use it to fertilize his land. Or imagine you were put on a deserted island and then start to cultivate a piece of land. If you were given gold and dung at that moment, what would you choose? Definitely the dung. Why would you need gold on a deserted island?
We choose based on our needs. When we need it, we consider it as something useful and valuable, and this is called attachment to things as real. Based on our needs, in other words, it is based on the needs of the ego. Whether we are aware of it or not, it is certain that the ego is always behind our choices. "I" need this thing, "you" need that thing, and two different "I"s make different choices.
For a merchant, who knows that gold is valuable, he will choose gold. For a farmer, who believes dung is more useful, he will choose dung. Two different individuals have different perceptions of the "self." Although there is a common understanding of the "self," what the "self" needs and the choices it makes differ due to the distinctions in each "self."
Yogacara does not acknowledge the inherent existence of matter, but we, as untrained people, do the opposite way. This is why we need to practice. If we believe in the inherent existence of matter, we are compelled to seek various material possessions based on the demands of our ego. We are compelled to earn money rather than "earning air." In reality, we need air, but we take it for granted. Given an option, we all would prefer to be in places with fresh and clean air. Spiritual practice aims to change these misconceptions.
What is liberation? It is when you no longer need a thing, not even food. Some might scoff:" Impossible! You gotta eat!" But here is the truth: your true essence, that pure awareness deep within, has no need for fuel. It is not this meat suit that defines your life. This body, meant to be a trusty sidekick, often turns into a pain-in-the-neck troublemaker. Our lives, our bodies, our senses, they are all tripping us up. That is where practice comes in. It is about clearing away these obstacles, dusting off our primordial awareness, and returning home we have departed for so long. When that happens, needs fade away. But a different kind of "need." Precisely speaking, it is not a need driven by lack, but rather a commitment to benefit all sentient beings.
Is this not a need? Two views on it. The first one is the conventional view, saying that the eternal Bodhicitta fuels the wish to benefit all sentient beings. In “The King of Aspiration Prayers,” it goes like: “Sentient beings are as limitless as the boundless expanse of space; So, shall my prayers of aspiration for them be as limitless as their karma and harmful emotions!” Alternatively, there is the ultimate view, saying that it is not a thought-driven but a pure spontaneous response reacting to circumstances and needs of sentient beings. Even this description itself is misleading because, in that state, there is no distinction between "you" and "me," making words pointless.
Excerpted from:Cognition and Expression Part One
