The Alteration of Mental Formations and Karmic Seeds in Manas

The Tathagatagarbha operates all phenomena in the world according to ripened karmic seeds, giving rise to the five aggregates body and living environment corresponding to these seeds. Simultaneously, it can alter karmic seeds and reality based on the mental activities of the manas (mental faculty). Practicing wholesome dharmas in the present life plants seeds at all times and places, thereby transforming karmic seeds. This can prevent unripened evil karmic seeds from maturing and enable major wholesome karmic seeds to ripen, so that good retribution will be realized. It can also expedite the ripening of future evil karma, allowing heavy offenses to be retributed lightly, thereby reducing obstacles in future cultivation and accelerating spiritual progress.