The Aspects of the Eight Consciousnesses

Although the eight consciousnesses lack tangible forms like the six dusts, each possesses its own operational manifestations, which are the activities of the mind and also mental factors. These formless manifestations can still be observed and perceived, thus they too constitute a form. The operational manifestations of the seven consciousnesses are illusory manifestations conjured by the tathāgatagarbha, also called names; they are subject to birth, cessation, and change, and are not real. The operational manifestations of the tathāgatagarbha itself exist inherently as they are, arising from the essence of the tathāgatagarbha and not produced by any other dharma. They perpetually exist and operate, continuing ceaselessly even in the state of nirvana without residue, never extinguished.

The essence of the tathāgatagarbha is formless and invisible to all, even to Buddhas. Yet when this essence functions, it manifests operational forms. Upon enlightenment, one can perceive the functioning of the tathāgatagarbha and comprehend its manifestations. All dharmas are essentially the manifestations and functions of the tathāgatagarbha, and its five universal mental factors can be observed by bodhisattvas who have attained the bhūmis and by Buddhas. After enlightenment, one can perceive the functions and operational trajectories of the tathāgatagarbha, distinct from the manifestations of the seven consciousnesses. In the operation of all dharmas, the eight consciousnesses coalesce inseparably to accomplish the functioning of dharmas. Within this process, there is indeed a mingling of pebbles with pearls and snakes with dragons. Only when the eye of wisdom is clear can one distinguish pebbles from pearls and snakes from dragons.