Direct non-conceptual cognition of emptiness (Buddhism, Tibetan)

Different levels of awareness are seen as stages on the path to direct non-conceptual cognition of emptiness, and are divided into two classes: [cognizing consciousness]

, when there is valid cognition of the object of awareness by a valid cognizer (whether direct or inferential) and [non-cognizing consciousness]

, where there is valid cognition by a non-valid cognizer.

The stages are referred to as: [wrong consciousness]

(log-shes), [doubt not tending toward the fact]

, [equal doubt]

, [doubt tending toward the fact]

, [correct assumption]

- these five being of non-cognizing or non-valid consciousness; and [inference through the power of the fact]

(dngos-stobs-rjes-dpag), [mental direct valid cognizer]

(yid-kyi-mngon-sum-gyi-tshad-ma), [yogic direct valid cognizer]

(rnal-'byor-mngon-sum-gyi-tshad-ma) - these three being of cognizing or valid consciousness. The path is seen as running, therefore, from a strong sense of the real existence of objects (wrong consciousness), through levels of doubt as the yogi hears and reflects on the meaning of emptiness and subsequently studies and meditates on what he has heard. He then reaches a conceptual understanding of emptiness which is, nevertheless, not inference although it is generated through the process of inference. When true inference occurs the yogi is realizing emptiness; he remains in this state as long as he can in order to develop the insight based on calm abiding and continue on the path to non-conceptual direct cognition of emptiness.