Evidence of the Unshared Nature of the Eighth Consciousness

After the eighth consciousness of sentient beings has cultivated for three immeasurable kalpas, the ignorance of the seven consciousnesses is completely exhausted. In the final transformation of consciousness into wisdom, the seventh consciousness becomes the wisdom of equality, the sixth consciousness becomes the wondrous observing wisdom, and the first five consciousnesses become the wisdom of accomplishing what is to be done. Simultaneously, the eighth consciousness transforms into the great perfect mirror wisdom, perfectly illuminating all dharmas, no longer obstructed or veiled by the defiled seeds of the seven consciousnesses. The eight consciousnesses together accomplish the Buddha Way, and this sentient being attains Buddhahood, completing the path to Buddhahood over the three great asaṃkhyeya kalpas. Having nothing further to learn, they become the Honored One of the Three Realms, beyond the need for further cultivation.

In contrast, the eighth consciousness of sentient beings who have not yet attained Buddhahood has not transformed into the great perfect mirror wisdom. It still contains the defiled seeds of the seven consciousnesses, remains tainted, and is not the undefiled consciousness. Consequently, their wisdom and virtuous capabilities are obstructed and limited by the defiled seeds of the seven consciousnesses, unable to perfectly illuminate all dharmas. Therefore, the eighth consciousness of sentient beings is not shared; each sentient being possesses their own. It differs from the Buddha’s eighth consciousness in both name and function. The Buddha’s eighth consciousness encompasses twenty-one mental factors: the five universal factors, the five particular factors, and the eleven wholesome factors. In contrast, the eighth consciousness of sentient beings possesses only the five universal mental factors, rendering its function inferior to the Buddha’s undefiled eighth consciousness and distinct from the great perfect mirror wisdom.