What Is the Mind of Awareness?

The conscious mind generally refers to the seven consciousnesses, which perceive the six dusts; in specific contexts, it particularly denotes the mental consciousness, as the mental consciousness possesses the strongest and most extensive perception.

"Hun" (spirit/soul) consistently refers to the mental consciousness, which can confront and discern the realms of the six dusts. Because it can discern the realms of the six dusts, it can be frightened into panic, causing the spirit to leave the body, scatter in terror, become disheartened and dispirited, or become distracted and unsettled. The manas (the seventh consciousness) eternally remains attached to the body, never departing, never lost, and never scattered; otherwise, the body would become a corpse. This is even more true for the eighth consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna).