On Seeing the Eighth Consciousness

The Eighth Consciousness is formless and invisible to the physical eye, yet it can be perceived by the mind's eye, the wisdom eye, the dharma eye, and the buddha eye. Among these, the wisdom eye, the dharma eye, and the buddha eye are collectively referred to as the mind's eye, but what they perceive differs vastly due to differences in wisdom, which necessarily results in differences in perception. How can the formless essence of the Eighth Consciousness be perceived? Although the substance of the Eighth Consciousness is empty and invisible, it possesses numerous operational characteristics, functions, and effects. The operational characteristics of the Eighth Consciousness are also called mental activities and mental factors (caitasika dharma), while its function is to accomplish all dharmas, display the appearances of all phenomena, and endow all dharmas with their corresponding functions and effects. The wisdom eye is obscured and shallow compared to the dharma eye and the buddha eye, perceiving the characteristics of the Eighth Consciousness sparsely and coarsely. The dharma eye perceives them extensively and deeply, while the buddha eye, perfect and unobstructed, perceives the complete characteristics of the Eighth Consciousness, comprehending every single phenomenon without exception, illuminating the universe and discerning the most minute details.

The operational characteristics of the Eighth Consciousness are observed through direct perception (pratyakṣa). Those who have not realized it cannot perceive them; those who have not attained enlightenment can only infer the functions arising from the Eighth Consciousness but cannot observe its characteristics. From this, one can fully determine whether a person has genuine enlightenment or not, distinguishing true enlightenment from false enlightenment. The functions and effects of the Eighth Consciousness can be imagined based on the Buddhist sutras and the teachings of patriarchs and great masters; its general functions can also be deduced through reasoning. However, deducing its finer details is difficult, and unless one hears about them, the subtle aspects must be directly perceived through one's own experience. Therefore, every practitioner who seeks to attain true great wisdom, possessing the wisdom eye and the dharma eye, must diligently cultivate precepts, meditation, and wisdom, exerting great effort and engaging in genuine practice and realization, in order to attain the meritorious benefits of true liberation.