The Reasons for the Emergence and Popularity of the Six Consciousness Theory

The view prevalent in the world is the doctrine of the six consciousnesses, and some people hold the doctrine of consciousness alone (the mind consciousness). A very small number of people hold the doctrine of the seventh consciousness alone, and there are also those who hold the doctrine of the eighth consciousness alone. With different levels of wisdom, their views differ and their assertions differ; yet the most ultimate view and assertion is the doctrine of the eighth consciousness alone—this is what is called the one true dharmadhātu.

This is because in the operation of all dharmas, there must be the eighth consciousness and the seventh consciousness; apart from the functioning of these two consciousnesses, there would be no dharmas at all. The operation of the mind consciousness is initiated by the seventh consciousness and sustained by the eighth consciousness; it is dispensable, appearing at times and absent at others, and it has absolutely no autonomy. If, behind the scenes, there were no silent support of the two elders—the seventh and eighth consciousnesses—the mind consciousness could not stand or survive. Therefore, behind the operation of the mind consciousness, there is simultaneously the uninterrupted operation of the seventh and eighth consciousnesses, which cannot pause even for a kṣaṇa. Hence, the most ultimate operation of all dharmas is still that of the seventh and eighth consciousnesses; it is only that this is too profound and subtle, and when meditative concentration and wisdom are insufficient, one cannot attain it through contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā). It is for this reason that the doctrine of the mind consciousness alone and the doctrine of the six consciousnesses came into being and became widespread.