The Three Levels of Theoretical Knowledge, Comprehension, and Realization

Merely knowing that the five aggregates arise from the eighth consciousness constitutes foundational Mahayana theoretical knowledge, representing the initial stage of Mahayana practice, which remains distant from experiential realization. The extent of this distance varies from person to person. At the time of realization, one must be able to observe specifically where the eighth consciousness functions and how it functions. If it is merely theoretical knowledge, it remains entirely unrelated to resolving the issue of birth and death. Some consider this intellectual understanding, but in reality, it is not even that. The knowledge that all phenomena are functions of the eighth consciousness is still somewhat superficial; repeating this constantly amounts to mere lip service, which may not necessarily be of much practical use for genuine realization. However, this is the foundation of Buddhist study. Through this knowledge, one gradually integrates into the eighth consciousness.