V. Question: In the verse "The objectively real realm does not follow the mind; the subjectively imagined realm follows only the perceiving-aspect," does "the subjectively imagined realm follows only the perceiving-aspect" mean that the subjectively imagined realm shares the same seeds as the perceiving-aspect, or does it mean that the subjectively imagined realm transforms in accordance with the perceiving-aspect? Brief Discussion on Material Elements (Draft)

Brief Discussion on Material Elements (Draft)

Author: Shi Shengru Doctrines of the Consciousness-Only School Update: 11 May 2026 Reads: 2197

5. Question: In the verse "real objective realms do not follow the mind; subjectively imagined realms only follow the perceiving-aspect," does "subjectively imagined realms only follow the perceiving-aspect" mean that the subjectively imagined realm shares the same seeds as the perceiving-aspect (darśana-bhāga), or does it mean that the subjectively imagined realm transforms in accordance with the perceiving-aspect?

Answer: The objective realm is the faithful or similar manifestation of the outer six sense-objects within the supreme faculty (indriya) at the back of the brain; it is formed by subtle seeds of the four great elements and cannot be altered. The subjectively imagined realm is an illusory realm conjured up through the manas's grasping, with the tathāgatagarbha cooperating in its manifestation. The perceiving-aspect is formed by the seeds of consciousness. The subjectively imagined realm manifests and changes according to the volition mental factor (cetanā) of the mind consciousness that follows the manas; if the manas does not grasp, and the mind consciousness does not engage in imagination, the subjectively imagined realm does not exist. As for the objective realm, regardless of whether the manas grasps or not, it necessarily exists and cannot be altered.