The Four Aspects of the Eight Consciousnesses

The four parts are the perceiving part, the perceived part, the self-confirming part, and the auto-confirming part. Among the eight consciousnesses, not only does the sixth consciousness possess these four parts, including the auto-confirming part, but the seventh consciousness also has the auto-confirming part, and the eighth consciousness, the Tathagatagarbha, likewise possesses the auto-confirming part. All eight consciousnesses have these four parts; it is simply not mentioned to those who lack the capacity for observation and practice and cannot realize them directly. Many profound Dharma teachings are either not spoken to those lacking sufficient faith roots and wisdom power, or are taught indirectly and skillfully, rather than directly, because direct exposition would be incomprehensible to sentient beings and would only increase their doubts.

As cultivation deepens continuously, afflictions are subdued and eradicated, and wisdom power progressively increases. Not only does the nature of the eight consciousnesses continuously strengthen, but their wisdom nature also grows increasingly stronger and deeper. The functions of each person's seventh consciousness are absolutely distinct, meaning their mental factors are absolutely different. This constitutes the difference between those who cultivate and those who do not, and between those who cultivate well and those who cultivate poorly.

As cultivation progresses further, not only does the sixth consciousness undergo changes, but the transformations in the seventh consciousness also become increasingly significant. The most crucial manifestation lies in the transformation of mental factors and in the wisdom of the conscious mind. That is to say, the hallmark of successful cultivation is turning consciousness into wisdom. Even if one has not yet attained the stages of enlightenment, the wisdom of their conscious mind should differ from that of an ordinary person, undergoing subtle transformations, though sentient beings may lack the ability to observe this. The inability to observe indicates that the wisdom nature of their conscious mind is still insufficient and remains obscured. For those lacking both the capacity for observation and sufficient faith roots, profound Dharma teachings cannot be further expounded.