The Samatā-jñāna of the Seventh Consciousness, Manas

The initial joy and equality of the seventh consciousness at the initial stage of the First Ground (Pramuditā) means that upon entering the initial mind of the Joyful Ground, the seventh consciousness transforms from consciousness into wisdom, acquiring a portion of the wisdom of equality. After the seventh consciousness cultivates the six pāramitās, attains enlightenment into the mind, and gains prajñā wisdom, the growth of prajñā wisdom leads to subsequent wisdom. Through cultivating the path, it initiates the first dhyāna, eliminates afflictions, sequentially transcends the mirage-like barrier and the dream-like barrier, and after realizing the remainderless nirvāṇa, it cultivates consciousness-only, acquiring a portion of consciousness-only wisdom. Upon entering the First Ground, the sixth consciousness transforms from consciousness into wisdom for the first time, gaining the initial portion of the wonderful observation wisdom, while the seventh consciousness transforms from consciousness into wisdom for the first time, gaining the initial portion of the wisdom of equality. Both consciousnesses undergo three transformations from consciousness to wisdom before attaining Buddhahood, where ignorance and defilements are completely eradicated, transforming entirely into clarity. Only then do the eighth consciousness and the five sense consciousnesses respectively transform into the great mirror-like wisdom and the wisdom of accomplishing what is to be done, thereby perfecting the Buddha path.

Bodhisattvas of the First Ground eliminate their non-sage nature, enter the family of the Tathāgata, and become true children of the Buddha. This represents an immense transformation in the process of learning and cultivating the Buddha Dharma, marked by extremely strong symbolic significance and profound inner joy, hence it is called the Joyful Ground.

The wisdom of equality of the seventh consciousness emerges during the cultivation process of the three virtuous stages after realizing the mind. It is the mark of successful reliance-transformation (āśraya-parāvṛtti) upon the eighth consciousness. The seventh consciousness realizes the equality of the eighth consciousness, constantly observing that although the karmic retribution of all sentient beings differs, the eighth consciousness, the cause of that retribution, is equal. Thus, it thoroughly eliminates the notions of self, person, sentient being, and life span, truly realizing that all sentient beings are fundamentally equal and will ultimately attain Buddhahood. The mind of the seventh consciousness also gradually becomes equal; after eliminating afflictions and transforming consciousness into wisdom, it enters the First Ground.

Therefore, at the initial moment of realizing the mind, it is imperative that both the seventh and sixth consciousnesses simultaneously realize the mind. Only then can they possess prajñā wisdom, eliminate the four notions, eradicate afflictions, transcend the three barriers of Chan, realize the mirage-like barrier and the dream-like barrier, eliminate the non-sage nature, attain the portion of consciousness-only wisdom characteristic of a First Ground Bodhisattva, realize the true suchness nature of all dharmas, realize a portion of the One True Dharma Realm, and ultimately attain Buddhahood.

Arhats do not possess the wisdom of equality in their seventh consciousness because they have not realized the mind or attained enlightenment, lacking prajñā wisdom and consciousness-only wisdom. However, they do possess some degree of equality, but its basis differs from that of First Ground Bodhisattvas. Arhats perceive all sentient beings as empty and devoid of self, having eradicated all afflictions in their minds and eliminated the four notions. From this perspective of emptiness, the seventh consciousness sees all sentient beings as equal, but it cannot perceive the equality of all dharmas. It does not know that all dharmas are the eighth consciousness, are the true suchness nature, are the One True Dharma Realm. Therefore, it lacks the wisdom of equality.

Examining the entire cultivation process of Arhats, from the first fruit (Sotāpanna) to the fourth fruit (Arhat), the pure wisdom of the Dharma eye is attained simultaneously by both the seventh and sixth consciousnesses. Otherwise, they could not eliminate afflictions, enter the nirvāṇa with or without remainder, nor eliminate the four notions. If the seventh consciousness, the mental faculty (manas), cannot eradicate the view of self, it cannot eliminate the afflictions of ignorance. Birth and death cannot cease, the dust and toil of the three realms cannot be transcended, the cycle of rebirth cannot be stopped, suffering cannot be severed, and spiritual cultivation would be meaningless.