The Meaning of Mind-Only

All phenomena are merely manifestations of consciousness, which refers not only to the eighth consciousness, the Tathagatagarbha, but also includes the first six consciousnesses and the seventh consciousness. These three evolving consciousnesses collaborate to manifest all phenomena in the three realms. However, the source of all phenomena is the eighth consciousness alone. Only the eighth consciousness contains the seeds of all phenomena and uses these seeds to produce all phenomena. To accomplish this, it requires the cooperation of the second evolving consciousness, the seventh consciousness, and the third evolving consciousness, the six consciousnesses. Only then can the eighth consciousness produce all phenomena. If only the eighth consciousness exists without the participation of the first seven consciousnesses, the eighth consciousness alone cannot manifest any phenomena, just as in the state of nirvana without residue.

If only the sixth and seventh consciousnesses exist, they are even less capable of creating any phenomena, for without the eighth consciousness, the seventh consciousness cannot exist, let alone function. Only when all eight consciousnesses operate together in collaboration can they accomplish all phenomena. The nature of the eighth consciousness is fundamentally different from that of the seven consciousnesses; they cannot transform into one another. The seven consciousnesses are perpetually arising and ceasing, while the eighth consciousness is eternally non-arising and non-ceasing. Regardless of whether the seven consciousnesses are defiled or pure, the eighth consciousness—Suchness, Tathagatagarbha, Amalavijñāna, and the Great Perfect Mirror Wisdom—always remains a single mind-essence, inherently free from defilement.