A Brief Discourse on the Essence of Consciousness

Synopsis

Consciousness is one of the most effective tools in the practice and realization of the Dharma. It is used to encounter the Dharma, contemplate the Dharma, attain correct knowledge and views, then imbue the mental faculty, and ultimately achieve genuine realization. The functions and roles of consciousness are generally observable to most people; it possesses many characteristics, with the overarching one being its impermanent nature of arising, ceasing, and changing. However, many Buddhist practitioners mistake certain attributes of consciousness for the functions of the indestructible eighth consciousness. In such cases, if one claims enlightenment, it is erroneous enlightenment and cannot lead to liberation from birth and death.

This book discusses the types of consciousness, its functions of discernment, the manifestations and harms of greed, hatred, and delusion, the differences between meditative and non-meditative states, and the ways consciousness discerns phenomena. It explains the principles behind the arising of consciousness's functions of seeing, hearing, sensing, and knowing, as well as the process of arising, ceasing, and changing during the discernment of objects. It thoroughly illustrates the significant differences between the essential natures of consciousness and the eighth consciousness, enabling learners to clearly distinguish between the two and cease mistaking consciousness for the true self. Thus, they may embark on the correct path of Chan investigation, not wasting the efforts of a lifetime of practice. Non-Buddhist paths invariably regard consciousness as one's true knowing nature. Due to heavy internal obscurations, they fail to perceive the substantial functions of the true mind, the eighth consciousness. If they can recognize the intermittent, arising-and-ceasing nature of consciousness, they will swiftly eradicate the view of self, resolve the problem of birth and death, and transcend the cycle of rebirth. Therefore, understanding the essential nature of consciousness is of utmost importance.