Failure to Discern True and Deluded Consciousness Precludes Enlightenment

The manas-root governs the six consciousnesses in their collective operation upon forms, sounds, scents, flavors, tangible objects, and dharmas. It can be said that this constitutes the combined functioning of the eight consciousnesses, wherein both the true mind and the false mind are present. The absence of any one consciousness would prevent the arising and functioning of any dharma whatsoever. Therefore, when some claim to have attained realization regarding a particular dharma, yet within the operation of that dharma both true consciousness and false consciousness exist, what exactly is realized: the true mind, the false mind, or the combined entity of true and false? Failure to clarify this crucial point renders any claim of realization indistinguishable from non-realization.

Some may say, "I know the eighth consciousness exists within this dharma; I have realized it." However, within this dharma, the other seven consciousnesses also exist. Without the seven consciousnesses, relying solely on the eighth consciousness, no dharma could possibly exist, nor could any operation continue. To forcibly attribute the functions and roles of the seven consciousnesses to the eighth consciousness results in realizing nothing more than the combined entity of the eight consciousnesses. What kind of realization is that?